SOUTH WALES PREMIER
IT was a weekend of surprises in Thomas Carroll South Wales Premier League Division One where the top two both failed to win.
Perhaps the biggest surprise came at lowly Ynysygerwn – without a league win all season – where leaders Cardiff had to settle for a losing draw.
Skipper and opener Richard Grant made 72 to help steer his side to a total of 240-7 off their 50 overs before Cardiff, despite 82 from Yvan Grant, were left frustrated on 213-8 at the close with namesake Richard bagging 3-46 and a catch to seal a fine all-round display.
Cardiff still head the table by 12 points from reigning champions Newport, who went down by fivewickets at Pontarddulais and losing their unbeaten record in the process.
Visitors Newport elected to bat first at the Ffosyrefail Ground after winning the toss, but 3-19 from Carl Roberts helped reduce them to 160-8 off 50 overs, while Lukas Carey bagged himself 2-42.
The Gwent side had been reeling on 81-8 at one stage before an unbroken stand of 79 from Michael Clayden (47no) and No.10 Harry Powell (43no) steadied the ship.
But that wasn’t enough to deny Bont a memorable win with Dan Lewis-Williams (39), Matthew Aubery (36) and Jack Butler (31no) getting useful runs as they got over the line with just 13.1 overs to spare.
Bont are now just 13 points behind Cardiff – who they visit next Saturday.
Ammanford are off the bottom of the table after a 45-run victory over Penarth – only their second league win of the campaign.
A 136-run stand for the second wicket between Ellis Richards (55) and skipper Alun Evans (71) paved the way for Ammanford’s 218-7 off 50 and three wickets each for Sean Coaker and Matthew Roberts helped bowl Penarth out for 173 in reply.
The defeat for Penarth – also winless – means they now prop up the rest.
Elsewhere, there were wins for Port Talbot Town and Neath over Mumbles and Bridgend Town respectively.
Meanwhile, in Division Two, unbeaten St Fagans stretched their lead at the top to 14 points with a crushing 142-run victory over Clydach.
The visitors were bowled out for 121 attempting to chase down St Fagans’ 263-5, with Chris Kellard ripping through the Clydach batting with figures of 6-40 off 6.2 overs.