IT’S 5 IN A ROW FOR WANDERERS

CARMARTHEN Wanderers made their first ever trip to Newbridge a winning one as they maintained their unbeaten start to the season in South Wales Premier League 2.

It was the Wanderers’ fifth consecutive victory as they lead the way in the table.

After winning the toss, skipper Gareth Thomas had no hesitation in batting on an excellent track and solid contributions from Dan Jones (76), Steve Inward (52), Owain Binding (48), Owain Davies (22no) and Steve Mills (20) helped the visitors to a competitive total of 256.

After a solid start by Newbridge’s opening batsmen, tight bowling by the Wanderers, particularly left-arm spinner Ian Hughes with 2-28 in his 10 overs, aided by two excellent run outs from Dan Jones, saw wickets fall regularly.

Young batsman Alex Horton kept Newbridge in the game to the end, but his and the home side’s innings finished on 220 when he was well caught by Owain Binding on the boundary for 63 off the bowling of Leighton Walters.

The experienced Walters took three wickets at the death to see the Wanderers home and bag a total of 20 points.

On Saturday the Wanderers entertain Penarth at Trinity Fields, with wickets pitched at 12.30pm .

Meanwhile, Carmarthen Wanderers’ young second XI suffered another narrow defeat as visitors Pontarddulais returned home with a Premier League West victory.

Bont batted first but were reduced to 23-3 as young opening bowlers Kai Summers (2-56) and Jack McGready (2-69) took early wickets.

The home side failed to capitalise on this as the Bont middle and lower order took control, closing on 217 all out, despite the fine efforts of Craig Barrington (2-22 off 10 overs) and spinner Steff Jones (1-26).

The Wanderers’ run chase suffered an early blow when Andrew Harley departed leg before in the first over, but solid batting by Lewis Byng (21), Bradley Roderick Evans (30) and Craig Barrington (38) provided real hope of victory.

But all were dismissed when lookDafen Seconds batsman Chris Randall in action against Pontyberem.

Picture: Phil Davies ing set to produce a match-winning innings.

Skipper Ian Taylor (29no) tried in vain to push for victory, but only young Ifan Knott managed to reach double figures as the Bont attack gradually ran through the lower order to reduce the home side to 180 all out.