THOMAS IS THE STAR AS WANDERERS BAG FIRST WIN
MORE than 400 runs were scored at Trinity Fields as Carmarthen Wanderers claimed a crucial victory in South Wales Premier Cricket League 2.
The 63-run defeat of old rivals Ynysygerwn was the Wanderers’ first league victory of the summer and lifted them to seventh in the table.
Batting first, the Wanderers amassed 253 for the loss of seven wickets with a magnificent 111 from captain Gareth Thomas laying the foundation. His knock included 12 boundaries and four sixes.
He was assisted by opener Robbie Crawford (34) in a third-wicket partnership of 104 and Daryl Griffiths (31) in a fifth-wicket partnership of 85.
Leighton Walters and Ifan Knott also added valuable runs towards the end of the innings.
Hard-hitting Ynys opener Liam Davies (65) and the patient Nathan Davies (55) made quick inroads into the Wanderers total and at 142-1 they looked set for a comfortable victory.
But an inspired spell of medium paced bowling by Iestyn Scourfield tore into their middle and late order, with the innings finishing on 190 in the 45th over.
Scourfield returned the excellent figures of 6-20.
Gorseinon are now at the bottom of the table after they went down by seven wickets at Ynystawe.
The visitors were reduced to 14-4 at one stage as Lee Hicks tore through the top order, though an innings of 41 from Christopher Morgan helped steady the ship as Gorseinon were all out for 125.
Hicks ended with figures of 5-21, with Andrew Beasley claiming 3-22.
Ynystawe reached their target in the 27th over, with Carl Roberts and Thomas Morgan sharing an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 43.
Meanwhile, Carmarthen Wanderers Seconds remain at the head of the Premier West League after a convincing win at Ynysygerwn.
Batting first, the Wanderers made a good start by putting on 100 runs during the first 25 overs for the loss of two wickets.
Young Owain Bailey with 40 and Andrew Harley (49) laid the foundations and with Carl Holding cracking eight boundaries in a quickfire 47, the away side were heading for a large total.
Ynysygerwn battled back and claimed three quick wickets, but the experienced pair of skipper Ian Taylor (35) and Giles Thomas (45) put on 60 for the seventh wicket which pushed the visitors to maximum batting points.
Young Harry Connick clouted two late boundaries and with Dan Thomas smashing 14 off the final five balls, the Wanderers closed on a huge 2869.
After the break Ynysygerwn struggled to find their stride, with young Dan Thomas bowling a fiery spell and bagging 2-21. Liam Rogers weighed in with 3-6, resulting in Ynysygerwn collapsing to 18-5.
Owen Bailey’s spin claimed four wickets in his eight overs with Ynysygerwn all out for 98. Andrew Edwards took the final wicket and he also pocketed an excellent catch.
Skipper Taylor said: “Hopefully we can carry on our good form into the next few weeks, as there are some difficult games on the horizon starting with a trip to St Helen’s to face Swansea on Saturday.
“We have got a good squad of players with everybody contributing which is really pleasing.”