THERE was yet another twist in the battle for the Rachel’s West Wales Conference title between league leaders Aberystwyth and defending champions Aberystwyth University Commoners when they faced one another last weekend.

A seven-wicket victory for the Commoners has helped close the gap to just four points between themselves and Aber, who had posted respectable total of 199-9 when put into bat, after losing the toss.

Iwan Roberts held the Aber innings together with a superb 107, with Umar Aslam the pick of the bowlers, taking 3-33.

The response from the Commoners was a very decisive one, and they passed their target for the loss of only three wickets.

Rakesh Bhatia was the real hero of the afternoon as he contributed a magnificent unbeaten 119 for Commoners, while Abishek Somani and Umar Aslam both scored 33 to ensure a seven-wicket win.

Aberaeron swept to a nine wicket win on 83 for 1 at home against a depleted Aberystwyth Seconds, who were all out for 82 in 22 overs. Neil Snowdon (3 for 49), Hywel Rees (2 for 2) took half the wickets while Steffan Rees, Louis Fice and Sion Lewis chipped in with one wicket each.

Aber’s openers Iestyn Evans (20) and D Rees (17) had both offered resistance, and No 4 Elgan Pugh top scored with 26.

After the early loss of opener Alex Pitchford (10) to D Rees (1 for 40), Steffan Rees (31 not out) and Bleddyn Thomas (24 not out) were unbeaten at the crease when the winning the winning runs were scored.

Llanwrda were left without a game when Dolgellau failed to fulfil the fixture, but there was better news for Talybont, who won by seven wickets at Tregaron.

Dafydd Davies (42) and Gareth Jones (23 not out) helped Tregaron to a modest 141-8, which proved easily within the reach of their opponents, who replied with 142-3.

Joshi (3-32) and Simon Lloyd Williams (2-25) led the bowling attack for Talybont while a half-century from Vinod Matthew (51) and 45 by Joshi were enough for victory. Llion Jones, Nigel Salmon and Ryan Jones took one wicket each for Tregaron.