AMMANFORD secured a much-needed and well-deserved victory by 7 wickets in a rain affected match at the Gnoll on Saturday (Jun 11).
The start was delayed by 40 minutes but that didn’t stop the Neath openers, Tom Cullen (52) and Scott Matthews (31) giving their side an excellent start with an opening stand of 85 in 22 overs.
From there, though, the Ammanford bowlers and fielders took control and wickets fell steadily whilst runs were effectively curtailed, though Neath still managed to reach 204 for 7 in their 44 overs.
All the Ammanford bowlers performed well. Saihaj Jaspal, Josef Davies and Alun Evans took a couple of wickets each, the other being picked up by Matthew Davies.
Despite losing opener Josef Davies with the score on 41, Ammanford’s batters never looked in any doubt that the match was theirs to win.
Daniel Roberts joined opener Kurtis Marsh at the crease and these two fashioned a match winning
partnership of 104 from 116 deliveries.
When Roberts fell for 44, there was still work to do, and Xavier Clarke (29no) dispelled any fear of a batting collapse as he and Marsh added a further 58 from 50 balls.
Marsh reached a superb maiden century before he was dismissed with just a couple of runs needed, but incoming Callum Croft finished matters in style with a six from his first ball.
The result moved Ammanford up to 6th place in Premier 1, but more importantly it showed how capable they are of closing out victories and moving much further up the table.
The quest continues next week with the visit of Cardiff to the Park.
Ammanford seconds well beaten
AMMANFORFD seconds were comprehensively beaten by 9 wickets at the Park by visitors Neath.
Batting first, Ammanford began promisingly with their top order all scoring runs. Tiaan Evans (37), Cellan Allcock (37) and Benjamin Thomas (41) all looked good until their dismissals, taking Ammanford to a respectable 128 for 3.
Unfortunately, the middle and lower orders were unable to capitalise on this good start, and Ammanford collapsed to 156 all out in 42 overs.
Nathan Warlow was Neath’s chief wicket taker with 3 for 27.
An early wicket gave Ammanford false hope, but it was soon dispelled by the arrival of Dafydd James at the crease.
Supported by Sam Bowring (38no), James hit a quick-fire unbeaten 88 to overtake the Ammanford total
in just 20 overs.
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