WHAT a difference a week makes. With all four Penarth Cricket Club teams having been beaten the previous weekend, they came out all guns blazing on Saturday to quickly erase all the bad memories.

Playing at Pentyrch, the 1st XI lost the toss but proceeded to bowl the home side out for 193. Tom Sidford was once again the pick of the Penarth bowlers with figures of four for 32 from 10 overs.

In reply, Penarth reached 194 for seven, with Sidford hitting 74, Ryan Sylvester (39) and Richard Skone (37no).

The Seconds played the reverse fixture at home and, asking the visitors to bat, bowled them out for 227. Three 15-year-old bowlers did the damage for Penarth, with Alex Langridge taking three for 13 from six overs, Morgan Crimp (two for 37 from nine) and Morgan Humphries (three for 30 from six).

In reply, Penarth reached the total for the loss of only two wickets. David Stephens batted superbly for 82 not out, ably assisted by Alex Langridge (80no), Neil Stephens (21) and Conrad Adams (36).

Winning the toss, the 3rd XI asked hosts Tredegar to bat first and good bowling restricted them to 176 for eight. Tim Miller took three for 15 from 10 overs, while Matt Birch bowled with great credit but little luck

In reply, Penarth passed the total for the loss of five wickets, with James Groves hitting 65, Tom Parkinson (28) and Tim Knott (38no), who finished the game with a fine six.

The Fourths played Mountain Ash at the Athletic Field and, having won the toss, asked the visitors to take first knock. Obviously the hot day and the prospect of a good night in the bar spurred on the Penarth bowlers who proceeded to dismiss the opposition for a mere 54 runs. Top bowlers were Dan Anderton, who took three wickets for seven runs from five overs, including an excellent caught and bowled, James Taylor (three for 20 from eight) and Jacob Frost (two for 12 from four).

In reply, Penarth passed the total without losing a wicket in 10 overs. Veterans Keith James and Geoff Thomas hit 29 not out and 10 not out respectively, with extras contributing 16.

Finally, a mention of young William Skone who made his first 50 for county at U11 level two weeks ago. Hopefully, this will be the first of many.

Next week the Firsts and Seconds play Pontypridd home and away respectively. the Thirds entertain Abertillery and the Fourths travel to Panteg.