THOMAS, CARROLL SOUTH EAST WALES LEAGUE: DIVISION THREE:

VALE ........................187-8 MACHEN .......................95

TABLE-TOPPING Vale are beginning to make a statement in Division Three with a 92-run success over visiting Machen making it three consecutive victories, writes Tony Poole.

While it remains much too early to state they are promotion candidates, things are looking good in leafy Corntown.

With the ground looking as pretty as a picture, captain John P Davies won the toss, and had no hesitation in taking first strike.

Openers Harry Withers (15) and John J Davies (12) gave the innings a steady feel against an improved Machen attack.

However, it was Ynystawe import Brendan McCay (29) and Alex Upham (37) who then hurried things along.

That said 71-2 soon became 133-6, and the contest was now heading for the crossroads.

Though dazzling Darren Upham weighed in with a swashbuckling 18, it was former Llantwit Major Cavaliers star Thomas Gingell that Vale really leaned on.

During the closing overs he hit 25 while there was an equally important contribution from Paul Gilbert (18).

This all amounted to Vale getting 187-8 out of their 45-allotted overs – and over tea the score was considered par for the course.

Pick of the Machen bowlers was spinner Gareth Davies with 9-1-22-3, and it didn’t take long for dazzling Upham snr to become the key Vale man with the ball.

The ex-Coychurch star roared in to take 9-2-3-20, and with it went any hope of Machen chasing down 188.

One of the catches off his bowling from Sean Rowland beggared belief ahead of him delivering an equally key spell of 6-027-3.

Spinner John J Davies with 2-1-7-2 took care of the rabbits, resulting in Machen being dismissed for just 95 in the 29th over.

Only Vale and Creigiau have opened up with three straight wins, and next up for the boys from leafy Corntown is a trip on Saturday to traditionally strong Pontymister & Cross Keys.