Penarth CC in 8th spot at halfway point (From Penarth Times)

Penarth CC in 8th spot at halfway point

7:50am Thursday 9th July 2009

• Print
• Email
• Share

PLAYING away at high flying Cardiff, the Penarth 1st XI lost the toss and were asked to bowl.

Cardiff captain David Kirtley scored 154 from just 100 balls, Australian Dan Rees was 71no and Dewi Preece contributed 52 to the total of 324 for 6 declared, the declaration handing Penarth maximum bowling points.

Nick Morgan took 3-37, whilst there was a wicket apiece for Adam Shantry, Richard Skone and Peter Ingram.

Following two rain delays, Penarth's target was reduced to a highly improbable 266 in 35 overs, but after losing a couple of early wickets Penarth settled for a draw at 180-4, claiming maximum batting points under the revised targets.

Adam Shantry, after two centuries in the previous two games, played the anchor role with a fine 77 not out, Tom Sidford scored 39, Nick Morgan a quickfire 23 and Richard Skone 22 not out. Aneurin Norman took 2-28 for Cardiff and Paul Carter 2-46.

So after half the season, Penarth find themselves in a highly respectable 8th place in the league.

With Usk visiting the Athletic Field this Saturday, Tondu away the following week and Sudbrook at home completing the month's fixtures, a couple of early wins in the second half will see Penarth move within touching distance of a place in the new 2010 Pan South Wales Premier League.

SECONDS

There was also a fine win for the 2nd XI in a game reduced to 39 overs a side.

James Erasmus top scored for the Bears with a fine 67 not out in tricky conditions, and he was supported by Andrew Sims (37) and Richard Bromiley (30) as Penarth mustered 187-6.

In reply Pontypridd made a steady start but after an opening partnership of 48 they lost wickets at regular intervals as they finally finished on 163 for 9.

Bromiley took 3-37, Rob Crimp 2-21 and there was a wicket a piece for Huw Morgan, Peter Hardwick, Simeon Bradshaw and Matt Jones.

The result sees the 2nd XI top the First Division for the first time this year and they will be looking to cement their place there on the weekend when they travel to 3rd placed Panteg.

THIRDS

The 3rd XI suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Abertillery, which came despite the fact that Penarth's top three batsmen contributed 54 (Neil Stephens), 33 ( Rhys Morgan) and 53 (Gareth Davies). Unfortunately everybody else failed to make double figures and they were bowled out for 181.

In reply Abertillery strolled to victory by 6 wickets, with Ishy Akhtar and Rhodri Morgan taking 2 wickets apiece.

The visiting captain A Poole was particularly unlucky as he faced the last ball of the match with his side requiring 3 to win and him sitting on 95 not out – a mighty strike of the ball ensued but it fell agonisingly short of the boundary and he was stranded on 99 not out.

FOURTHS

The 4th XI also tasted defeat in a low scoring 30 over game at Bridgend. The home side batted first and scored 136-7. Youngster Ryan Todd was the pick of the Penarth bowlers taking 3-20 in his 6 overs.

In reply Penarth struggled to 111-8 with 12-year-old Jamie Hitchen the star of the show as he finished unbeaten on 23.

The on-field fun was followed in the evening by an American Evening and Disco. Much fun was had by all in attendance and special thanks must go to Tom Parkinson for organising, Andy Jones for the fine dining, Gareth Davies for the entertainment, and last but by no means least Abertillery CC, who stayed until the very end and were great value!

Fancy dress award goes to James "Uncle Sam" Davies who made his usual outstanding effort.

• Print
• Email
• Share