Openers grab limelight as Swansea clinch city derby

SWANSEA’S openers produced one of the most sensational firstwicket stands in the history of the South Wales Premier League as they swatted away Cardiff on the opening day of the season.

Chris Gibson and Brad Wadlan delivered a destructive partnership of 296 as Swansea beat their city rivals by 209 runs at St Helen’s.

Skipper Wadlan blasted his way to 187 off just 130 balls – a knock that featured 27 fours and six sixes – before he was finally dismissed by Sam Swingwood.

Gibson, meanwhile, was unbeaten on 149 at the end of Swansea’s innings. He struck 13 fours and five sixes as the hosts closed on 398-2.

Wadlan wasn’t finished there, however, as he took 4-23 as the visitors were dismissed for 189. Swingwood top-scored with 47.

St Fagans enjoyed a comfortable start in the defence of their title as they defeated Bridgend by six wickets.

In truth, had it not been for Bridgend opener Joe Cooke their victory would have been much easier.

Cooke scored a scintillating 142 out of his side’s total of 211 all out, smashing 12 fours and seven sixes as wickets fell around him.

St Fagans were rarely in trouble in their reply, easing home with almost 14 overs to spare as skipper Owen Morgan scored an unbeaten 74. Neath beat Newport by 16 runs. Opener Steve Reingold made 80 as Neath reached 250-7 batting first.

Reingold then chipped in with two wickets as Newport could only reach 234-9 in reply. Sean Griffiths took 3-25.

Billy Root scored a century as Ammanford won by 97 runs at Clydach.

Root made exactly 100 and was given fine support from Rhodri Huw Davies (64) as the visitors reached 271-5.

Daniel Roberts then took 4-36 as Clydach were dismissed for 174.

Richard Grant and Cameron Herring shared a match-winning stand of 144 as Pontarddulais won by seven wickets at Port Talbot Town.

Grant scored 85 and skipper Herring an unbeaten 71 as Bont reached their total of 235 with more than six overs in hand.

Barney Huxtable had earlier top-scored with 69 as Port Talbot made 234-7 in their 50 overs.