WANDERERS STILL CHASE A FIRST WIN
CARMARTHEN Wanderers are still in search of their first win of the South Wales Premier League 2 season after suffering a 60-run defeat at Penarth.
The loss means the Wanderers remain rooted to the foot of the table after the opening eight matches of the summer.
After losing the toss, Penarth recovered from the loss of two early wickets to rattle up 245-8 in their 50 overs.
Nitin Mathias led the way with a fine 81, while Tom Sidford scored a brisk 63 which featured seven boundaries and two sixes.
Wicketkeeper Nick Morgan was in even more of a hurry, smashing six fours in a 16-ball 35.
Gareth Thomas led the way for the Wanderers with 4-35, with Tom Davies taking 3-64.
Skipper Thomas continued his fine form with a fine 57, but the Wanderers were always behind the run rate and closed their innings on 185-8. Will Skone took 3-31.
The Wanderers host Ynysygerwn on Saturday.
There was also defeat for Gorseinon, who went down by 109 runs at home to Ynysygerwn.
Ryan Sylvester and Nathan Davies both scored half-centuries as the Neath Valley side were all out for 239 in 49.4 overs. Christopher Mee and Nishaanth Dalavaye both took three wickets.
Gafyn Donald (51) and Mee (44) were the only Gors batsmen to reach double figures as they crumbled to 130 all out.
Meanwhile, Carmarthen Wanderers Seconds continued their unbeaten South Wales Premier League West run with a convincing 120-run home win against Ynystawe.
The Wanderers batted first and made a cautious start against the accurate opening seam attack.
After losing an early wicket, the experienced pair of Andrew Edwards and Leighton Walters put on a fine century stand with Edwards (68) continuing his impressive form.
Opener Walters cracked a superb 125 which included 13 boundaries. It was his second century of the season which set the Wanderers up for a big total.
Skipper Ian Taylor (53 not out) and Giles Thomas (16 not out) put on 70 during the last seven overs, with Taylor clubbing seven boundaries as the home side closed on a formidable 300-5.
After the break Ynystawe were put under immediate pressure as inform slow bowler Steff Jones bowled another excellent spell. He claimed 4-20 off his 10 overs which resulted in the away side slipping to 40-4.
Young Dan Thomas claimed an early wicket thanks to a superb onehanded diving catch by 15-year-old wicketkeeper Harry Connick. Kai Summers picked up a wicket as Ynystawe battled back to 120-5.
Edwards then made the breakthrough which opened up the tail and he collected a further two wickets, with Connick impressing behind the stumps by collecting another
catch and a stumping.
Walters took the final wicket as the away side fell to 180 all out.
Skipper Taylor said: “It was another good performance with everybody contributing, which is pleasing.
“Leighton blasted a superb century which set us on our way to a fine win.
“We continue to head the table but face a tough encounter at Ynysygerwn as we reach the halfway point of the season.”