TOP ORDER DO THE BUSINESS
BEFORE the largest crowd seen at Trinity Fields for several seasons, Carmarthen Wanderers completed a thrilling victory and the double over Gwent visitors Newbridge in division two of the South Wales Premier league.
Winning the toss, Newbridge skipper James Morgan had no hesitation in batting and his side set a competitive total of 233-8 in their 50 overs. The innings was built around an impressive knock of 77 by youngster Alex Horton, who has also represented Glamorgan 2nds this season.
Spinners Gareth Thomas and Owain Binding each took two wickets.
In response the Wanderers got off to a flying start, with an opening partnership of 82 between Owain Davies (44) and Steve Inward (46).
Steve Mills (67no) carried on the momentum, firstly with skipper Thomas (14) and then Binding (36no), where they shared an unbroken fourth-wicket partnership of 64, taking the Wanderers to victory with 10 balls to spare.
Fifth-placed Wanderers are away to third-placed Penarth this Saturday.
The match sponsors were St Peter’s Lodge, Carmarthen Athletic Rugby Club, Paul Morgan of Morgan Construction, and Malcolm Davies/ Ian Stone with friends.
Tomorrow (Thursday) the Wanderers’ under-15s entertain Whitland in the zone final of the Welsh Cup. It starts at 6pm.
Meanwhile, veteran Simon Rogers rolled back the years as he bowled Carmarthen Wanderers Seconds to a comprehensive 10-wicket win at Pontarddulais in the South Wales Premier League West Second XI Championship.
Bont opted to bat and Rogers tore the heart out of the home batting, claiming six wickets while conceding only 13 runs off his 10 overs.
Fourteen-year-old Dan Thomas also got in on the act, bagging three wickets, with Mark Wilson taking the final wicket.
Openers Andrew Harley (21no) and Lewis Byng (31no) had no problems reaching the small total as the Wanderers strolled home without losing any wickets.
Skipper Ian Taylor said: “We have not won in Bont for a few seasons so this was a very pleasing performance. Bronwydd skipper Oli Furneaux hits out against Dafen. He went on to make 43 as Bronwydd won by 14 runs.
Pic: Phil Davies