CRICKET has made a welcome return in Ceredigion, with teams in action north and south of the County last weekend.

In the prestigious Harrison-Allen Bowl, Llechryd were unable to cause a major upset as they lost by eight wickets to Pembrokeshire champions Neyland, for whom openers Nick Koomen and Patrick Bellerby had a stand of 65 set up victory.

The home side finished 83 for 9 from their 22 overs, with opener Kevin Evans top scoring with three fours in his 23.

Jonny Lewis also made a steady 15 and Thomas Davies (9), Graham Keen (8) and Andrew Davies (10) all got starts, but the hosts were never allowed to settle against a typically disciplined Neyland attack.

Spinners Andrew Miller (3-22) and Scott Jones (3-19) led the way, and Brad McDermott-Jenkins (2-12), on his competitive debut for the club, also impressed.

Koomen and Bellerby then got going with frequent boundaries and the former reached 21 (three fours) before giving a return catch to Lewis (1-8), while Bellerby cracked eight fours and a six before falling in the same manner to Evans (1-28).

It was Nathan Banner (3 not out) and McDermott-Jenkins (4 not out) who then completed the formalities, as Neyland set up a second round tie with Herbrandston.

• WEST Wales Conference champions Commoners won by 49 runs in Aberaeron, with opener Rakesh Bhatia (78) setting the tempo in a total of 209 all out.

David Wilcokson (22), Josh Roper (13), Umar Aslam (14) Tom Goodman (32 not out) and Arshed Sher (15) all made double figures. Morgan Llewelyn took 2 for 21) and Lous Fice 2 for 24 for the hosts.

In reply, Hywel Rees made 43, Jacob Jenkinson 16, Chris Strange 50 and Steff Rees 15, but Aberaeron finished on 160 for 9, with Mustafa Ahmed taking 4 for 25 and Chris Ward 2-12 for Commoners.

Meanwhile Aberystwyth posted 150 as they beat Talybont (51) by 99 runs. Full match reports in next week’s edition.