THE Penarth Cricket Club 1st XI travelled to St Fagans knowing that a solid all-round team performance was required to defeat their local rivals.

However, having elected to bat, things didn't look too promising as the visitors were two wickets down for just seven runs, with Ryan Sylvester and Tom Sidford back in the pavilion. But captain Nick Morgan was not about to capitulate and, helped by Rhys Morgan (33), Richard Skone (17) and Jamie Hitchen (31 not out ), he reached a superb 108 not out, hitting a six off former Glamorgan player Michael O'Shea to bring up his century. His efforts enabled Penarth to post a respectable total of 205 for five.

In reply, St Fagans threatened whilst O'Shea was at the crease but, following his departure for a battling 63 thanks to a brilliant catch by Hitchen, the game was all but over. This was definitely a bowling team effort, with Sylvester taking two for 23 (both wickets in his last over), Skone (2-15), Thomas (2-43), Sidford (2-15) and Hitchen (2-16).

With St Fagans finishing on 141 all out, Penarth were 64-run winners.

In the reverse fixture at the Athletic Field, Penarth Seconds did not fare so well and were beaten by 60 runs.

Batting first, St Fagans scored 224 for seven, with Steffan Wells taking two for 35 and Morgan Humphries (1-15).

In reply, Penarth mustered just 164 all out ,with Peter Docherty scoring 84.

The Thirds entertained a strong Brynmawr team and, despite a half decent batting display, were on the wrong side of a 166-run hammering.

Brynmawr scored 352 for three, with both openers scoring big hundreds and putting on 240 for the first wicket.

In reply, Penarth reached 186 all out, with Conrad Adams hitting 76.

The nomadic Fourths were rumoured to be playing Sully Spartans (unconfirmed) and had lost by two runs but, if so, there will surely be a report in this paper.

Penarth are grateful to 1st XI sponsors Cigg-e.