ABERYSTWYTH Cricket Club clinched a third successive promotion when a final day wash-out denied the team a chance to overhaul league leaders Llantwit Major Cavaliers but confirmed a second-place finish in South Wales Cricket Association Division 8, writes Jim Vaughan.

In a season where the league was decided by average rather than total points, both Llantwit Major and Aberystwyth each won 10 games, and while Aber had the higher points aggregate, they missed out on the title by just 0.02 points with an average of 16.29 points per game to Llantwit Major’s 16.31.

The season was characterised by tough, competitive cricket with several games decided by small margins in thrilling finishes, not least crucial last-over victories over Llantwit Major and Maesteg in the final weeks of the season.

Aber’s promotion charge was powered by a genuine squad effort, with 23 players earning selection over the course of the summer.

Senior players, Iwan and Steffan Roberts made consistent runs at the top of the order; Steff finishing the season with two centuries and 490 runs at an average of 41.

6-year-old Iestyn Roberts also excelled with the bat, chalking up a maiden century for the club and scoring 454 runs, also at 41.

Other important contributions came from half-century makers, Mel Jones, Ceri John, Ted Jones, Bryn Williams and Anthony Burrell.

Especially pleasing this season was the continuing progress made by Aber’s talented crop of youngsters. Ted Jones and Bryn Williams led the bowling attack with distinction, Ted finishing with 30 wickets at an average of 12, Bryn 20 wickets at 16.

That both also proved themselves as genuine all-rounders, contributing vital runs in several games, was central to Aber’s success this season.

Another huge asset was Aron Bishop’s emergence as a consistent fast-bowling threat, taking 16 wickets at 23.

Important spells and key wickets were also delivered by Wil Jones, Jac Woodland, Owi John, Aadi Khare and Jac Mainwaring.

Those young bowlers were ably supported throughout the season by older hands, Emlyn Mainwaring and Jim Vaughan, while Steff Roberts made a good case for being under-used, taking a hat-trick in one of his few bowling appearances.

Skipper Adam Shaw proved to be a safe pair of hands behind the stumps, leading the way for most dismissals in the division with 13 catches and 2 stumpings.

Club Chair, Jim Vaughan, expressed his delight at the team’s achievement in claiming a third successive promotion and continuing to climb the SWCA divisions.

“I’m really proud of the team,” he said, “The club’s going from strength-to-strength, not just at senior level, but with thriving junior and women and girls sections as well. We’re already looking forward to more success in 2027.”