Driscoll spearheads rare win for Porthcawl Seconds

CRICKET

to avoid relegation on the final day of the campaign although they meet promoted Gorseinon while their nearest rivals Llandarcy face relegated Felinfoel who are winless this season. Baglan could also come into the equation if they fail to beat Drefach.

The loss of two early wickets was far from an ideal start for the Seasiders but the arrival of Driscoll, in harness with Nick Morgan, started the revival. Morgan departed for a solid 23 but Driscoll was starting to show his power, peppering the ropes with a number of fierce shots.

It was 15-year-old Steffan Flood, who has had a most promising season, who gave the hard hitting Driscoll his major support. Flood went on to an excellent 32, with a flurry of boundaries, but his dismissal signalled the late decline as wickets tumbled.

Driscoll perished just three short of his century, clearing the ropes nine times and also reaching the boundary a further seven times. Eighty two runs in boundaries meant an exciting afternoons entertainment for home supporters.

Porthcawl ended their 40 overs on 180-9 to set the visitors a challenging target. Shane Callard produced top figures of 3-12 and Ieuan Williams took 2-19 from eight tight overs. David Cheal bowled well for his 1-19, also from eight overs, and there was a wicket apiece for Kieran Davies and Neil Pritchard but the change bowlers felt the full wrath of Driscoll powerful blade.

Cavaliers made a very positive start with Ed Pickford, Neal Pritchard and Nigel Allison all batting confidently and at one stage, 98-1, they appeared on course for victory. However, from 98-1 they slumped to 98-3, then 103-4 and the game was back in the melting pot. Allison was the main threat with a well constructed 53 but when he departed the visitor’s challenge petered out. Pickford made 32 and Pritchard 25. The remainder of the batting failed to prosper and, when the last wicket fell, the visitors were 20 runs adrift.

Off spinner Nick Morgan sank his teeth into the middle order, taking 3-17 in eight overs and Driscoll rounded off a great day’s work with 2-16, also from eight. Stephen Jenkins chipped in with 2-33 while usual keeper Chris Jenkins was the surprise package, and delighted his team mates, as he took the first wickets of his career, taking 2-9.