NO DOUBTING THE THOMASES

CARMARTHEN Wanderers continued their successful start to the season with a comprehensive 173-run victory over Gwent side Panteg in South Wales Premier League 2.

Batting first, the Wanderers lost early wickets against a tight Panteg bowling attack assisted by some keen fielding and at one point they were 98-5.

But a match-winning sixth-wicket partnership of 86 between captain Gareth Thomas and the experienced Giles Thomas enabled the Wanderers to reach 220-9. Gareth Thomas top-scored with 89 which included 12 boundaries.

Steve Mills with 24 not out, supported by Wales Under-14 player Ifan Knott, also helped the Wanderers achieve this competitive total, putting on valuable runs towards the end of the innings.

Tight opening bowling by Iestyn Scourfield, who took his first Premier League wicket, and Owain Binding saw an early flurry of dismissals which Panteg never recovered from.

Ian Hughes, with a superb spell of 4-6 from his seven overs, and Mills with two wickets then proceeded to destroy the Panteg middle and late order as they were dismissed for just 47.

Malpas are the visitors to Trinity Fields on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Carmarthen Wanderers Seconds produced an excellent performance when gaining a 73-run victory at home to league leaders Mumbles.

The Wanderers batted first on a good wicket with openers Andrew Harley (63) and Lewis Byng (47) laying the foundations for a good total with a superb opening stand of 130.

Bradley Roderick-Evans (21), skipper Ian Taylor (17no) and Jack McGready (18no) all made useful contributions as the home side posted a competitive 215-4.

The Mumbles innings got off to a flyer with the opening pair putting on a stand of 85, but the game was turned on its head with the introduction of the Wanderers spinners.

Steff Jones again bowled well, claiming 2-19 off seven overs, but the real damage was done by 15-year-old man of the match Owen Bailey.

He produced match-winning figures of 5-30 off 10 overs which saw Mumbles collapse to 142 all out in the 40th over.

Veteran Simon Rogers and youngster Jac Thomas also chipped in with a wicket apiece.

Captain Ian Taylor said: “It was a very pleasing performance as Mumbles are a good side.

“Our opening batsmen put us in a strong position and Owen Bailey bowled us to a deserved victory.”

Llangennech Seconds captain Alan Warner loses his wicket during his side’s visit to Kidwelly in division four of the South Wales Cricket Association. Picture: Phil Davies.