AMMANFORD suffered a humbling defeat at the hands of Newport, losing convincingly by 8 wickets before the tea interval.
Newport has never been a happy hunting ground for Ammanford and this match was to prove no exception.
Electing to bat first, Ammanford lost opener Kurtis Marsh with just 17 on the board. Xavier Clarke looked in fine form, and his partnership with Rhodri-Huw Davies was the highest of Ammanford’s innings at a meagre 30 runs before Clarke was caught for 23.
The only other batting performance of note came from Rhys-Huw Davies who looked good for his 32, before an injudicious shot saw him give a simple catch.
In fact, it has to be said that most if not all of Ammanford’s dismissals were self-inflicted, owing to poor shot selection or questionable technique.
They were all out for 101 in less than 30 overs.
Mujeid Ilyas was Newport’s most successful bowler with 4 for 11, mostly cleaning up the tail, and earlier damage was done by Michael Clayden, Callum Taylor and Hasnain Nawaz with 2 wickets apiece.
Ammanford’s bowling might have served them well with a more challenging target.
Saihaj Jaspal was aggressively quick for his 1 for 27, and fellow opener Fahad Sabir posed some awkward questions before the Newport openers got the measure of him.
Newport opener Harry Friend was impressive in his shot selection and execution, and his knock was the nucleus of Newport’s reply before he was dismissed by Xavier Clarke 2 short of his half century.
Newport’s other run-getter was Callum Taylor with an unbeaten 33. The winning run came in the 23rd over.
Next week, Ammanford are at home to newly promoted Ynystawe.
Ammanford seconds
Ammanford’s second XI suffered a heavy 89 run defeat at the hands of neighbours Pontarddulais at the Park.
Put in to bat, the visitors scored freely with an opening stand of 89 between centurion Cameron Davey, who scored a fine 123, and Matthew Williams (31).
It was effectively built on by Jac Williams (29no) and Iwan Rees (38no) for Bont to reach 244 for 3 in their 45 overs.
Despite a good 60 run start from openers Callum Croft (39) and Tiaan Sparrow (38), Ammanford failed to capitalise and wickets fell regularly.
They were all out for 155 inside 38 overs. Josh Jewell (3-36) and Owen Thomas (3-13) were Bont’s chief wicket takers.
Ammanford Thirds
Ammanford’s third XI collapsed to a 9 wicket defeat away to top of the table Baglan. Electing to bat first, Ammanford’s wickets fell rapidly to the bowling of Kevin O’Leary (3-19) and Andrew Roach (3-12).
Only opener Steve Hagget (29) and Stuart Evans (23) provided any real resistance as the visitors crumbled to 84 all out in under 30 overs.
Baglan lost an early wicket, but that was the only relief Ammanford received as the home team waltzed to a straightforward 9 wicket victory in less than 20 overs, thanks to skipper Robert Saunders (40no) and Matthew Clement (31no).
