Narberth see off chief rivals to go clear at summit

NARBERTH won their top-of-thetable clash against Pembroke County Cricket League division two pacesetters Llechryd.

It was a one-sided affair as Narberth claimed a seven-wicket win to leapfrog their rivals and draw eight points clear.

It was a day to forget for the Teifisiders as third-placed Hook beat Carew Seconds by seven wickets to close the gap on Llechryd to 16 points.

The second and third clubs go head to head at the RDM Oval this Saturday, with the result likely to have a major bearing on the championship and promotion races.

Without skipper John Curran and batsman Steve Smith, Llechryd found it tough going against tight bowling and sharp ground fielding, and but for a gallant effort by Johnnie Lewis (59) the visitors would have been skittled out much earlier.

As it was, a total of 103 was nowhere near enough to trouble the home side. Mike Reekie took three wickets for just four runs, while there were also three wickets for Ben Quartermaine and two apiece for Loui Davies and Lewis Haugh.

In the Narberth reply, Richard Adams set the ball rolling with 30, while Hedd Luff (36 not out) and Kyle Quartermaine (34 not out) saw their side safely home.

The winners banked 30 points while there were just three for the visitors, for whom seamer Graham Keen picked up 2-17.

Llechryd Seconds won for the fifth time in division four when coming out on top by nine wickets against Carew Thirds at the RDM Oval.

The visitors put up little resistance as they were bowled out for a paltry 46, with none of the batsmen reaching double figures.

After Neil Croucher took 3-6, Llechryd sauntered to victory.

In the same division Crymych swept aside visitors Hook Seconds by 122 runs at Glandy Cross where home batsman Richard Thorne was the hero of the hour with a brilliant 124. The Preselimen posted an imposing total of 267 in 40 overs and in reply the visitors were bowled out for 145.