Harris in a hurry as Llandeilo make early statement

LLANDEILO got their season off to a fine start with an eight-wicket defeat of Briton Ferry Steel Seconds in division four of the South Wales Cricket Association.

Ferry chose to bat, but it was slow going as Charlie Bleasdale and Chris Jenkins bowled tight lines. Jenkins made the breakthrough with a sharp catch taken by Rhys Jones.

The introduction of Phil Harris and Anthony James saw wickets fall at regular intervals, though a spirited 40 not out from Thomas Williams provided some respectability to the total of 84.

Harris ended with figures of 4-31 and James took 3-12. Rudi Botes picked up two late wickets on his debut.

Llandeilo suffered an early setback when opener Rhys Jones had his leg stump removed by Steffan Evans in the first over.

Rhydian Thomas then featured in a match-winning partnership dominated by Neil Harris. Mixing watchful defence with aggression towards the bad ball, Harris made an unbeaten 63 to see his side to victory after just 21 overs.

The match ball was sponsored by LBS.

But Llandeilo Seconds went down by 53 runs at Briton Ferry Town in division seven.

The Neath side’s total of 162-5 was dominated by knocks of 96 from Benjamin Probert and 33 from Stephen Richards. Max Munday took 3-7.

Llandeilo made a promising start with Hugh Towns (33) and Tom Prosser (20) both in form. But when both departed, the run rate proved too high and the innings closed on 109-7.