Four-star Betterley rolls back the years to boost hopes

LLECHRYD gave themselves breathing space in the Pembroke County Cricket League division two promotion race as they swept aside bottom club Johnston by nine wickets.

They have stretched their advantage over third-placed Hook to 44 points.

The Pembrokeshire villagers showed why they are struggling in the league as they found difficulty getting the ball away.

Johnston were indebted to Liam James, who made 59, but the rest of the batsmen found it tough going and they were dismissed for 118.

Veteran Peter Betterley rolled back the years as he returned figures of 4-28 and Andrew Fletcher picked up two wickets for four runs.

Llechryd lost James Betterley for 23, but Michael Carter (53 not out) and Joe Mansfield (35 not out) ensured it was plain sailing for the visitors.

In division four, Llechryd Seconds made it a double for the club with a 217-run win over basement boys Haverfordwest Fourths at the RDM Oval.

Once again opener Ollie Roberts was in rip-roaring form for the Teifisiders as he gave his skills an ample airing in a superb innings of 110. He was well supported by Rob Mansfield (35) and Tom Beard (24 not out).

The visitors struggled from the off and were bowled out for 75 as Duncan Blackburn, Beard and Neil Croucher all picked up two wickets.

In the same division, secondplaced St Ishmaels Seconds had few problems against visitors Crymych as the hosts bagged a 140-run win.

Daniel Flynn (77) and Stephen Williams (51) were the main contributors as St Ishmaels posted 229, then bowled out the Preselimen for 89.