Victory pushes Llechryd a step closer to promotion

LLECHRYD could go up as champions from division two of the Pembroke County League following their five-wicket win over bottom side Cresselly Seconds.

The Teifisiders are 20 points ahead of Narberth, who have a game in hand, and a massive 86 in front of third-placed Hook.

In the final weeks of the season Llechryd host Haverfordwest Seconds this week, visit Pembroke the following Saturday, are at home against Pembroke Dock on August 17 and end the campaign with what could be a title decider against Narberth at the RDM Oval.

Hook will be expected to win handsomely at Johnston on Saturday, but the following weekend they face Narberth before visiting Pembroke and ending with an away game against Carew Seconds.

Narberth entertain Pembroke Dock this Saturday before facing Hook, then it is Johnston at home seven days before the big finale in the Teifi Valley.

Cresselly, having first use of a good batting track, reached 220-9 in 50 overs, with Iwan Izzard making 43 and Richard Harries 36.

Skipper John Curran and Rhys Beard picked up two wickets apiece.

In the Llechryd reply, openers Curran (47) and James Betterley (26) made a bright start and the good work was carried on by Rhys Beard, who scored all round the wicket in an unbeaten innings of 69. Bowler Graham Keen added 34 as the visitors banked 29 points.

In division four, Llechryd Seconds did not fare as well against visitors St Ishmaels Seconds who won by five wickets.

The Teifisiders were bowled out for 76, Llewellyn Ladd top-scoring with 20 as visiting medium-pacer Daniel Flynn took 4-24 and Kevin Bowen returned figures of 2-10.

St Ishmaels got the runs thanks mainly to Stuart Carpenter (33) and Robbie Thomas (16).

In the same division, Crymych lost by 10 wickets to third-placed Llanrhian Seconds, the Preselimen dismissed for 99 before Michael Lawrence (40no) and Julian Harries (43no) knocked off the runs.