Champions Talybont Rachels stunned as Aberaeron seal seven-wicket win

WITH 667 runs scored the previous day at the seaside ground and the matches between these clubs having reached near 700 runs on previous encounters this season, the scene was set for another festival of runs, writes Alex Pitchford.

Talybont won the toss and decided to bat first. Openers Vinod Mathew and Phil Abraham progressed the score well until the introduction of Jacob Jenkinson to the attack, who had Vinod caught for 15 by Jamie Davies.

Jacob then had Jestus Jerry caught by Steffan Rees for 6 and Joseph Thomas was bowled by Iolo Trigg also for 6.

This brought together the main partnership of the innings with Sumesh Antony joining Phil. This was broken by Liam Regan in his return spell when he bowled Phil for 112.

A catch by Steffan off Jacob’s bowling also undid Sumesh for 91. Blenesh Jose added a useful 18, but otherwise the tail was ripped through by the return spell of Steffan Rees, finishing with 4 for 17 of 7.2 overs, helped by sharp stumping by Dave Floyd but the others bowled or LBW. Clearly Jacob’s 3 for 42 off 7 was also vital in containing the visitors to below 300.

Young Huw Rishko clearly enjoyed his promotion to opening the batting and he and Jacob Jenkinson made a steady partnership before Huw was caught behind by Sumesh off Joseph for 41.

Dave Floyd also batted solidly for his 39 before being caught and bowled by Joel Abraham.

The dangerous Jamie Davies fell the same way for just 4 runs. Captain Steffan Rees joined Jacob and they used all their skill and experience to see the home side to victory.

Closing in, they batted more freely and Jacob smashed a four over mid-on to complete the chase with almost 2.3 overs to spare.

Talybont had already claimed the league title, but last year’s winners showed they were ready to battle for it again next year as they spoiled the champion’s unbeaten record for the season.

Steffan Rees’ destructive bowling and his unbeaten 51 made him a close contender, but Jacob Jenkinson carrying his bat for 112 and his 3 top order wickets gained him player-of-the-match.