Llechryd bowlers on song to reclaim place at summit
AFTER two successive draws, Llechryd took over the leadership of division two of the Pembroke County Cricket League after a 10-wicket win over Pembroke in the Teifi Valley.
Previous leaders Narberth were defeated at home by third-placed Hook, a result that left John Curran and his men 20 points clear of their rivals.
Llechryd visit Narberth on June 22 before hosting Hook seven days later, and the results of these games are likely to have a huge bearing on the championship race.
Wickets fell regularly as the visitors were dismissed for a paltry total of 31, with not one batman managing to reach double figures. Medium-pacer Rhys Beard was virtually unplayable as he took full advantage of the conditions to return the superb figures of 7-14. Skipper Curran (2-14) and Graham Keen (1-1) were the other wicket-tak-ers.
Curran (19 not out) and James Betterley (10 not out) wasted no time in knocking off the runs and ensuring that Llechryd banked a maximum 30-point haul.
Curran was also presented with his award as the league’s May player of the month. The 23-year-old scored two centuries last month and his current average is an impressive 111.
The presentation was made by Pembroke County League chairman Paul Webb.
Llechryd Seconds crashed to a nine-wicket defeat against Crymych at Glandy Cross. Ollie Roberts (11) and Rob Mansfield (10) tried to put up some resistance but six players failed to trouble the scorers as the visitors were dismissed for 54.
James George picked up 4-22 in nine overs, and in the Crymych reply George was unbeaten on 17 and Ioan Davies added 28 as the hosts sauntered to victory in the 17th over.