Fisher the star turn as Ammanford bag victory

AMMANFORD secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory in a crucial clash against Pontarddulais at the Park in the South Wales Premier League.

Following a minute’s silence, Ammanford were determined to put on a good show in memory of their much-missed scorer Gary Phillips, who died last week.

Put in to bat, Bont lost wickets regularly, and despite a halfcentury from former Glamorgan all-rounder Richard Grant, were all out for 139 in 46 overs.

Mathew Fisher (3-34) and Josef Davies (3-21) were Ammanford’s leading wicket-takers, ably supported by Owen Davies (2-42) and Matthew Roberts (218), who was making a welcome return to the club.

Bont were hopeful when they dismissed Ammanford’s other returnee, opener Elis Richards, with the score on 23.

But their hopes disappeared when man of the match Fisher was joined by Dan Roberts.

The two took the score to within 23 of their target before Roberts was dismissed for 40.

Fisher carried his bat for a masterly 79 and Ammanford polished off the victory in style with eight wickets and 25 overs to spare.

This win lifts Ammanford two places clear of the foot of the table, though only seven points separate the bottom three in what is proving to be a congested battle.

On Saturday, Ammanford welcome in-form Bridgend to The Park.

Ammanford Seconds went down by eight wickets in a highscoring match against Pontarddulais at Ffosyrefail.

Put in to bat, Ammanford scored 256-9, thanks mainly to a second-wicket partnership of 151 between Matthew Davies (33) and Callum Croft, who scored an excellent century.

Ammanford’s target proved a good challenge, particularly with some tight bowling early on, but the Bont batsmen were able to pace their response to overtake Ammanford’s score with just two overs to spare.

Cameron Davey (91) and Lewis Edwards (84 not out) provided the match-winning 159-run partnership, while Matthew Williams (40 not out) came in to see out the victory with Edwards.

Great Western Railway Seconds’ innings at home to Ammanford Thirds lasted just 16.4 overs as they were all out for 22. Sion Lloyd Evans took 4-8 and Callum Fuge 2-2.

Ammanford, who are below GWR in division six, reached 23-1 in just 4.5 overs.