THOMAS, CARROLL SOUTH WALES ASSOCIATION DIVISION THREE

GREAT WESTERN .. 254-2 MERTHYR TYDFIL SECONDS ................ 252-8

THE RAILWAYMEN took to the road in positive spirits following last week’s win. Merthyr were the hosts who produced an excellent wicket for the day’s play.

Merthyr won the toss and elected to bat, taking advantage of the hard track. Paceman Jamie Russell took the new ball and didn’t take long to get the ball hitting the keeper’s gloves and causing the batsmen problems. He was supported by Ross Stenner who kept his season’s consistency. Merthyr however weathered the early storm and were building a nice total. Russell got the first breakthrough taken nicely by reinstated keeper Phil Cadogan. Merthry skipper Jeremy Crooker continued to play his shots before inform Khalid Afzal bowled him for a well earned 73. Western’s bowlers stuck at it with the pick of the bowlers being Afzal 2-34, supported by Tom Marshall 2-48 and spin king Steve Adams 2-29. Of their 50 overs Merthyr posted a very strong total of 252.

Openers Ross Stenner and Steve Hughes started cautiously before Stenner was caught off a top edge for 18. This brought keeper Cadogan to the crease with Western still needing 7 an over. Cadogan also took his time to get into his stride with the run rate creeping up to 9 an over at one point. However, both batsman took their opportunities and moments well, taking advantage of the second change bowlers with the boundaries coming thick and fast.

Cadogan made his second century of the season in the 46th over with Hughes just a few short of his. It wasn’t to be for Hughes who was caught lbw for 99, an excellent knock.

A 241 partnership saw Western pull off an excellent run chase and a win by 8 wickets.

This takes them to 4th in the league.