Rees stars in derby victory

A SUPERB spell of bowling by Iwan Rees helped steer Llanelli to derby success on the opening day of the South Wales Cricket Association season.

Rees claimed 5-19 from 10 overs as Llanelli battled their way past Llangennech in division one.

His miserly spell helped dismiss Llangennech for 190 in the 46th over, with Steve Devonald taking 3-34. Skipper James Taube was the home side’s top scorer with 59.

After rain intervened and forced a revised target of 156 from 34 overs, Devonald continued his fine all-round performance by cracking eight fours and a six in a fluent 62. Rhidian Morgan chipped in with 40 as Llanelli won by four wickets.

Jonathan Randell was the star of the show as Dafen Welfare enjoyed a straightforward 114-run victory at Maesteg Celtic.

Matthew Donoghue made a fine 66 in Dafen’s total of 189-6. He found support from Matthew Jones (29no), Scott Phillips (25) and Matthew Evans (23).

In reply, Celtic collapsed from 41-0 to 75 all out. Much of the damage was done by Randall, who ended with the incredible figures of 7-12 from his eight overs, five of which were maidens.

Andrew Dyer also took two wickets as Dafen opened the season with a haul of 20 points.

Llandysul suffered an opening defeat as they went down by two wickets at home to Maesteg.

After being put in to bat, Llandysul were all out for 179 at the end of the 44th over.

Skipper Ben Edkins was the home side’s top scorer with 48, with Gary Williams making 41. Callum Walters took 5-29.

Ashley Colston (51) and Lloyd Jones (39) led the way in Maesteg’s reply and Jeffrey Watkin and Ewan Lambert steered them over the line as it became tense in the closing stages.

Saturday sees Dafen host Llangennech, Gowerton entertain Maesteg Celtic and Llandysul go to Llanelli. Bronwydd are at Maesteg.