Former Bridgend stars shine in Pakistan contest

CRICKET

THREE Glamorgan players who down the years have been attached to Bridgend Town last week figured during a one-day clash with Pakistan A at Spytty Park in Newport, writes Tony Poole.

Will Bragg, Ruaidhri Smith and James Kettleborough were all involved, as the Welsh county lost by 123 runs to the tourists.

The game marked a return to Newport for the Welsh County after an absence of 26 years.

The last time Glamorgan visited was when Newport was still a town – ahead of city status being granted in 2002 - and cricket was played at its historical roots at Rodney Parade, as opposed to Spytty Park.

Bragg captained the side and having won the toss, elected to give Pakistan first use of the wicket.

And the move failed to pay off as Pakistan raced on to 327-9 off their 50-allotted overs with only Smith (10-0-76-4) posing any kind of a threat.

That left Glamorgan with a run chase in excess of six runs per over and they were dismissed in the 46th over for 204.

Bragg was the main run-getter with a polished 61 but opening batsman Kettleborough went for just 14 with the score on 20.

But the return to New- port was hailed a great success, especially as it saw Glamorgan break out of their Swalec Stadium base camp in Sophia Gardens.

On Sunday, Wales Minor Counties travelled to the South Wilts club to take on Wiltshire in the Unicorns Minor Counties Championship.

Maesteg-born Steffan Roberts (Neath) and on this occasion only four Bridgend Town players – Tom Baker, Nicky Davies, Sam Pearce and Sam Wood – were on duty.

The absentee was Bridgend Town coach Darren Thomas and in the absence of the former Glamorgan all-rounder, Baker was given the captaincy.

However, Baker handed the wicket-keeping gloves to Gareth Ansell of Newport.

Wiltshire won the toss and opted to have a bat and from 10-3, they recovered to 212-7 before being dismissed in late afternoon for 262 off 66.1 overs.

Spinner Nicky Davies slowed things down in 234-83-2 but after a bright start, the Wales reply faltered.

Wood hit 33 before opening partner Ansell ran him out with the score on 75.

However, Roberts and Pearce went for low scores, as Wales closed day one on 105-5 with Ansell unbeaten on 48.