DIVISION THREE
PORTHCAWL .......... 251-9 BAGLAN ................. 209-5
PORTHCAWL maintained pole position with an impressive winning draw against Baglan in an afternoon dominated by another brilliant batting display by Seasiders junior coach Mark Dixon.
Having bagged an undefeated century last week, Dixon plundered another brilliant century, finally succumbing in the penultimate over for a brilliant 115. It is the first time senior members can recall back-to-back tons by a Seasider. Having been dropped early on, Dixon thrashed two sixes and 14 fours to take his total in his two innings to 225.
Rob Jones gave Dixon good support with a fluent innings of 36, the pair adding 85 for the second wicket. Jones cleared the ropes once and also hit four boundaries.
Dixon found another willing partner in Tim Richards who produced a fine hard hitting knock of 42, with two sixes and five fours.
David Lewis chipped in with 17 not out, before flying off to his wedding in Florida next week, as the hosts, on another excellent Locks Lane track, finished on a formidable 251-9.
For Baglan, John O’Leary took some punishment but still finished with 4-35 in 5 overs, Lee Williams ended with 2-50 while there was a wicket apiece from Phil Goodwin, Rhodri Gaskin and Rhys Gaskin.
Baglan made a positive reply after losing an early wicket, Jonathan Lewis after Bont goalkeeper Jonny Davies did well to keep out shots from both Harry Smith and Scott Hayward.
Bont had to wait until the 68th minute for their next genuine chance and a crisp Ben Cripps header was saved low down.
Dancing Danny Woolfenden also went close, and it was against the run of play when Village levelled on 77 minutes via Hayward.
But Bont refused to submit and five minutes later an unstoppable 35-metre pile-driver from Cullen Kinsella hit the back of the net.
And they made things safe in the 85th minute when Connor James tucked away a Joshua Jones rebound off the cross bar. and Lee Williams both recording half centuries. Williams was particularly aggressive with 46 of his 52 coming in boundaries, but the drinks break at the 25 over mid point, brought about a reversal in fortunes.
The introduction of slow bowler Josh Aubrey, for the second week in a row, pegged back the visitors, skipper Jack Tuck also helping to put the brakes on. Jason Carpenter briefly threatened with 32, including five ropefinders, but his departure ended Baglan’s challenge and they were content to bat out a draw to deny Porthcawl additional points, despite a late flurry of runs from Rodri Gaskins and Michael Lewis. Baglan ended 42 short of their target.
Tuck took 2-36 and Aubrey 2-42, both from 10 overs, while Jones’ nagging length earned him 1-36, also from 10. FC PORTHCAWL last week saw their hopes of being crowned Port Talbot & District League champions buried under a goal avalanche at Kenfig Hill, writes Tony Poole.
The mean Green Machine from Rest Bay were hoping for a favour from the former South Wales Amateur League champions, but it never got off the launchpad.
Kenfig Hill suffered a 12-0 defeat at Croft Goch against Cwmavon, who duly retained the title.
In their inaugural season, Porthcawl lost just twice in the league – going down 3-0 at Tata Steel in 3-29 and his 13 year son, Spencer took his first senior wicket.
But, from 96-9, the home side put on 35 invaluable runs for the final wicket which was to prove decisive. For Baglan, Paul Morris top scored with 32, Michael Powney added 28 and Keith Perkins chipped in with 27.
Porthcawl made a solid start, openers Nick Morgan and David Vinen compiling 38 before Morgan played on for 18. Vinen again impressed before departing for a gritty 34 but wickets tumbled with only 20 from keeper David Morris holding up the home attack as the visitors crashed from 78-3 to 111 all out. Richard Howe did the main damage with 4-28 from his eight overs.