Hughes the star turn as Llanelli seal derby win

IOAN Hughes was the star of the show as Llanelli’s second XI beat Carmarthen Wanderers in a thriller in the South Wales Premier League’s West Division.

Opener Hughes scored a crucial 79 as the Stradey Park side claimed a nine-run victory at Trinity Fields.

He found valuable support from Jatin Verma (37) as Llanelli were all out for 211 after opting to bat first.

Zac Harley was the Wanderers’ best bowler, finishing with figures of 4-25.

The home side got off to a poor start as openers Andrew Harley and Oliver John were dismissed cheaply.

A fine stand between Joshua Thomas (30) and Ian Taylor (58) gave them a fighting chance, but once they departed the momentum shifted again and they stood on 202-9 when their overs ran out.

Aled Gilley and Ashok Thurairasa both took two wickets.

Ammanford Seconds gained a decisive eight-wicket victory over Mumbles at the Park.

Mumbles were put in to bat and got off to a good start thanks to opener Ben Jones (51), and batted solidly through the order to reach a total of 205-9 in their 45 overs.

Iwan Matthews was Ammanford’s chief wicket-taker with 3-39 from his eight overs. Skipper Jamie Evans snapped up two important wickets with 2-4.

Despite losing an early wicket, Ammanford’s response was emphatic. Fraser Benjamin coming in at three scored a match-winning unbeaten century and was supported by opener Callum Croft (46).

They passed the Mumbles total with seven overs to spare.

Oliver Rogers produced a stunning all-round performance as Pontarddulais beat Neath by 23 runs at The Gnoll.

His unbeaten 136 helped Bont reach 286-3 in their 45 overs. Shaun Harris added 60 and Alex Thomas 40.

Rogers then took centre stage with the ball, taking 5-57 as Neath were restricted to 263-8. Callum Stephens (74) and Craig Thomas (57) starred with the bat for the hosts.

Gorseinon suffered a 98-run defeat at home to Port Talbot Town.

Amit Sharma scored an excellent 97 for the visitors, with skipper Sam Tobin adding a half-century as they raced to 294-7 in their 45 overs.

Gorseinon captain Chris Richards hit two sixes and 10 boundaries in his side’s reply, but he found little support – other than a massive 65 extras – as they were all out for 196.