Penarth Cricket Club: End of a wet, wet, wet summer (From Penarth Times)

Penarth Cricket Club: End of a wet, wet, wet summer

8:10am Thursday 13th September 2012 in Sport

THIS summer - officially the wettest for 100 years - has been the worst for cricket that anyone in South East Wales can remember.

Every league has seen its fixture list decimated by the poor weather and, as a result, the 40per cent rule has been implemented by the Thomas Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Cricket League for the first and, hopefully, the last time.

In effect, this means that, because 40 per cent of fixtures have been cancelled or abandoned, there will be no promotion or relegation, other than Usk being relegated from the Premier League.

Penarth have fared no better than any other team which is very unusual on the coast where the elements have been traditionally kind to the likes of Penarth, Barry and Sully.

However, the last two weekends did see some proper summer weather and, as a result, cricket was played but no Penarth team prospered in the sunshine. Only the first and second teams were in action, the thirds and fourths having finished their league programme.

On the weekend September 1, Penarth Firsts entertained Sudbrook at the Athletic Field. Batting first, Sudbrook scored 258-6 in their 50 overs. The pick of the Penarth bowlers was Matt Jones who deserved more than his return of one for 38 from his 10 overs.

In reply, Penarth were 187 all out, Tom Sidford hitting 77 and Rhys Morgan 27. The 2nd XI travelled to Sudbrook and, having been put in to bat, were bowled out for 141, with Pete Docherty scoring 43 and Andy Jones 30. In reply, Sudbrook knocked off the runs for the loss of seven wickets.

Last weekend both teams found themselves in the idyllic setting of St Fagans and, once again, came off second best. The 1st XI bowled and fielded exceptionally well, dismissing St Fagans for a really gettable 173. Matt Jones finally gained some reward in a frustrating season with four for 38.

Unfortunately, it was not going to be a sunny finish for Penarth as the batsmen could manage just 97 all out, Tom Sidford top scoring with 30. The 2nd XI fared little better, being bowled out for 154. James Groves hit a fine 44 and James Erasmus 30 but this total was no real threat to St Fagans who passed the Penarth total for the loss of seven wickets. Matt Birch was the pick of the bowlers taking three wickets.

And, so, a dismal soggy season came to an end with all sides finishing roughly mid table. On the positive side the new nets have proved a great investment and will certainly help all players especially the ever-expanding junior section.

Also a number of graduates from this youth section have increased their experience of senior cricket and mention must be made of Morgan Crimp, with his subtle leg spin, James Groves, Rob Jones, Jamie Hitchen and James Porteous for their ever-improving batting, Ryan Todd and James Humpage for their bowling and, for all round effort, Morgan Humphries, Ollie Oswin, Ollie Jones and William Gale.

Finally, a mention must be made of the unfortunate Lewis Harrison, a promising young wicketkeeper who had to sit out most of the season, having broken his finger early in the summer.

The club dinner will take place at the Glamorganshire Golf Club on September 22 at 7pm. Tickets are priced at £20 and can be reserved by contacting Sam Docherty on 07814017847.

The club annual general meeting will be held on Friday, October 5, at The Athletic Club at 7pm.