IT’S TON-UP FOR STAR BATSMEN
CARMARTHEN Wanderers started their South Wales Premier League 2 season with an excellent away win at Ynysygerwn.
Batting first, the Wanderers looked to be reeling when they were reduced to 20-2. But the momentum swung in their favour thanks to a superb partnership of 187 between skipper Gareth Thomas and Steve Inward.
Thomas hit 10 boundaries and five sixes in his knock of 103 off just 111 balls.
Inward, meanwhile, struck six fours and five sixes in his 110. It was his first century for the club.
Contributions from Steve Mills and wicketkeeper Owain Davies allowed the Wanderers to set a very challenging total of 287 for victory.
Ynysygerwn set off quickly in their run chase but an impressive spell by Owain Binding, who conceded just 16 runs from his 10 overs and took two wickets, kept the Neath Valley side in check.
Michael Cowdrey top-scored for Ynysygerwn with 51, with Alex McCormack making 44 and Yuvraj Odedra 33.
But Wanderers slow bowler Ian Hughes chipped in with a spell of 3-34 as the home side were bowled out for 183.
The Wanderers picked up maximum points, but skipper Thomas is fully aware that they face a stern challenge on Saturday at Trinity Fields when they entertain old rivals Ynystawe.
Carmarthen Wanderers Seconds recorded a fine opening-day victory at home to Ynysygerwn in the Premier League 2 competition.
Skipper Ian Taylor put the visitors in to bat, with the Neath side making a steady start by reaching 30 before impressive youngster Dan Thomas made the breakthrough.
Thomas and fellow junior player Kai Summers bowled good spells, which allowed the Wanderers spinners to attack the Ynys batsmen.
Fifteen-year-old Owen Bailey from Kidwelly caused Ynys plenty of problems and claimed 2-27 off 10 overs on his debut. Fellow spinner Steff Davies only conceded 14 off his 10 overs, which included one wicket.
Ynys collapsed from 80-4 to 95 all out within the space of six overs as Josh Thomas with three wickets and Giles Thomas with two ran through the middle order.
Fourteen-year-old wicketkeeper Ifan Knott also caught the eye with three dismissals.
After tea the Wanderers were in a spot of bother as they were reduced to 15-2. But young Lewis Byng (28 not out) and the experienced Giles Thomas (39 not out) put together a match-winning partnership of 80 which ensured the home side got their season off to a fine start.
Skipper Taylor said: “It was a pleasing performance, especially the way our junior players performed. We bowled well, which set the platform for our victory, but we realise there will be tougher encounters ahead.”