DEFENDING champions Aberystwyth Firsts bounced back from last week’s defeat against Aberaeron to beat Talybont by five wickets in the West Wales Cricket Conference.

Batting first, Talybont reached 168 for 9, with Ben Harper top scoring with 42. Vinod Mathew (35) boosted the total towards the end of the innings with some big hitting and was unluckily run out at the non-striker’s end when in full flow.

Andi Price led the attack with 3 for 44 while Rowan Dunbabbin and Pat Daniel chipped in with a couple of wickets each.

The dependable Price was also in form with the bat and his 47, along with a half century by Zaid Khan (53) as well as 23 runs from Anthony Burrell paved the way of a five wicket win for Aber on 169 for 5.

On Sunday, title favourites Aberystwyth University Commoners beat Aberystwyth Seconds by three wickets at the Geufron, after the hosts had set them a target of 139.

Commoners won the toss and inserted Aber to bat first, but they were in trouble at 24 for 2, before a 42 run partnership between Zaid Khan and Jamie Holder followed.

Holder made an excellent 54, which included 3 sixes and 4 fours.

There was also a 35-run partnership between Anthony Evans (19) and Owen Keyworth (12), but a heavy shower saw the innings reduced, and on resumption Commoners gained the upper hand, with Ian Lawton returning 3 for 24 and Abishek Somani took 3 for 35.

A comfortable victory for the Commoners seemed to be on the cards, but Aber’s bowlers had success to restrict them to 85 for 5.

When Ian Lawton was bowled for 31, the match was in the balance, but Abishek Somani was 34 not out when the winning runs were scored on 140 for 7. Graham Bird took 2 for 16 and Jamie Holder 3 for 34.

For the second week running, Tregaron were forced to postpone their game against Aberaeron due to the unavailability of players.

This weekend’s West Wales Conference matches will see Talybont take on Aberaeron, and Aberystwyth University Commoners host Aberystwyth on Saturday, whilst on Sunday Tregaron are scheduled to welcome Tywyn & District.