Shock defeat sees Swansea lose their big lead at summit

THE race for the South Wales Premier Cricket League title is back in the melting pot after Swansea suffered a shock defeat at Pontarddulais.

Swansea went into the game 19 points clear at the top, but that gap has now been cut to nine after their three-wicket defeat at their local rivals.

Swansea chose to bat first and their total of 228-8 was built around a superb 113 not out from Cameron Hemp. He struck six sixes and five boundaries in his 139-ball knock, with Brad Wadlan adding a quickfire 48. Dafydd Davies took 4-48 for the home side.

Bont looked in trouble when they were reduced to 153-6. But Ioan Phillips (45) and Iestyn Rees (35 not out) rallied as the home side claimed victory with seven balls to spare.

Lukas Carey had earlier made 40. Jake Roberts took 4-52 for Swansea and George Pritchard 3-30.

St Fagans are close in behind after they edged out Neath by four runs.

Owen Morgan top-scored for St Fagans with 55 as they posted 205-9. Callum Nicholls added 53 and Richard Edwards took 3-56.

The reigning champions looked set for a comfortable win when Neath were reduced to 133-8, but Joe Parkhouse hit a brisk 45 not out to put the game back in the balance.

But St Fagans kept their nerve to hold on, with Morgan completing a fine day’s work by returning figures of 3-26.

Callum Taylor posted the highest score of the day as his brilliant unbeaten 155 steered Newport to a handsome 117-run win over Port Talbot Town.

The all-rounder struck 15 fours as Newport raced to 315-6. Alex Horton scored 56, with Cian Davies taking 3-62 for the hosts.

Port Talbot openers Ed Byrom (39) and Liam Davies (31) shared a stand of 57, but they were the only scores of note as they were dismissed for 198.

Newport remain third in the table, but are now just two points adrift of St Fagans and 11 off Swansea.

Ammanford’s bowlers staged a brilliant fightback as they beat Cardiff by 18 runs.

Chasing 249 for victory, Cardiff looked well set when they stood on 185-1 after Umar Malik had scored 101 and James Meggitt 47.

But from there Ammanford took command. Josef Davies took 3-30, Daniel Roberts 3-37 and Xavier Clarke 3-46 as Cardiff were dismissed for 230.

Ammanford had earlier reached 248-9, with Kurtis Marsh making 79 and Clarke 42. Tom Barry claimed 5-46 and Sam Swingwood 3-44.

Bridgend Town enjoyed a comfortable 100-run win over Clydach.

Luke Humphries scored 60 and Thomas Dalton 46 as Bridgend reached 242-6.

It was a total that proved more than enough as the Swansea Valley side were dismissed for 142. Jack Davies took 3-21 and Elijah Fulker 3-25. Sam Davies top-scored for Clydach with 49. In Premier League 2, Pentyrch are just two points off top spot after they beat leaders Ynystawe by 30 runs.

A wonderful innings of 143 by Lewis Coates helped Pentyrch to 282-5. Todd Wilcox provided support with an unbeaten 63 and Stuart Roberts made 56.

Ynystawe opener Tom Blake made a stylish 84 as the Swansea side chased their target and Morgan Hodges added 48.

But a fine spell of 4-15 from Jamie Mills proved crucial as Ynystawe were all out for 252.