ROBERTS KNOCK PROVES CRUCIAL
CARMARTHEN Wanderers went down to Ynystawe by 83 runs in a high-scoring encounter at Maes yr Afon in South Wales Premier League 2.
The defeat leaves the Wanderers fifth in the table with seven matches remaining.
Acting Wanderers captain Owain Binding lost the toss and the home side had no hesitation in batting first on a placid wicket, setting a challenging total of 263 for the loss of only two wickets. Carl Roberts scored a dazzling century, a knock which featured 15 boundaries and three sixes, with Morgan Hodges making 64.
Ian Hughes and Iestyn Scourfield were the most economical bowlers, Hughes taking 1-26 in his 10 overs and Scourfield also conceding only 26 runs off his 10 overs.
In the Wanderers reply, a thirdwicket stand of 77 between Steve Inward (54) and Lewis Byng (29) put the visitors in a position to challenge at 100-2. But both departed in quick succession and an injury to the experienced Giles Thomas unsettled the middle order.
A hard-hit 27 by Garmon Dyfri saw the Wanderers reach a third batting bonus point before thery were eventually bowled out for 180.
The Wanderers return to Trinity Fields on Saturday to play Panteg.
Meanwhile, Carmarthen Wanderers Seconds recorded an excellent 52-run home victory over unbeaten league leaders Ynystawe.
The win carried the Wanderers up to third in the Premier Division West second-team competition.
Put in to bat, the home side made a cautious start against the accurate Ynystawe attack, reaching 55 after 20 overs for the loss of only Josh Thomas (14).
Opener Andrew Harley made a patient 31 as he saw off the opening bowlers and with the experienced Mark Wilson chipping in with 27 the home side reached 110-4.
Liam Rogers, who only returned to Wales two days previously from Australia, gave the innings some impetus during the final overs as he clubbed seven boundaries in a quickfire 42.
Young Ifan Knott again showed his potential by hitting an important 16 at the death as the Wanderers closed on 199-7.
After tea Ynystawe made a good start as they reached 30 without loss, but young William Moore then dismissed both openers.
Spinner Steff Jones, who is enjoying a superb summer with the ball, took 2-22 in 10 overs, but the Wanderers match-winner was Mark Wilson as he claimed 4-43 to rip out the Ynystawe middle order.
Dan Thomas dismissed the final two batsmen as the hosts gained a superb win.
Skipper Ian Taylor said: “It was a Carmarthen Wanderers opener Robbie Crawford attempts a hook shot during his side’s defeat to Ynystawe.
Picture: Phil Davies
fine all-round team performance against the unbeaten leaders.
“On our day we are a match for any side in the division, but this is a tough league which challenges you every week.”
The match was sponsored by Jason Stiles and Sarah Thomas and friends.