Llandysul (138) lost to Tata Steel (153 for 8) by 15 runs

LLANDYSUL lost ground in the Peter Lynn and Partners Solicitors South Wales Cricket Association division one championship race as they fell 15 runs short against high-flying Tata Steel in Cnwc-y-deri, Bronwydd.

After winning the toss, Llandysul elected to field and they enjoyed early success as Philip Taylor was caught behind from the bowling of Hugo Laing by wicket-keeper Andrew Barrett, who also then caught both Mathew Jones and Martin Lewis (10) from the bowling of Ashleigh Cox, to make the score 28 for 3.

Number four Kelvin Bartle (26) scored precious runs, however, before Nathan Ferrell (39) and wicket-keeper Richard Jones (46) added 88 runs for the seventh wicket to enable the home side to reach 153 for 8 in 50 overs.

Medium-pacer Ashleigh Cox returned figures of 3 for 14 in 10 overs, Hugo Laing 1 for 35, Luke Swift 1 for 33, 3 maidens, Arfon Jones 2 for 14, 4 maidens, and Ieuan Paske 1 for 37.

Llandysul lost wickets in the run chase and at one stage tottered on 28 for 5, before Carwyn Evans at number six made 14 runs. Hugo Laing batting at seven then made 35 runs and Luke Swift at eight top scored with 40 runs. Swift was last to fall when he was caught by Richard Jones off the bowling of David Jones (2 for 31) and the Teifisiders were bowled out for 138 in the 48th over for their third defeat.

After excelling with the bat, Ferrell snapped 3 wickets for 16 in 9 overs, and there were economical bowling stints from Matthew Jones (1 for 25 from 10 overs, 3 maidens) and Kevin Bartle (1 for 17 from 10 overs, 2 maidens).Division One Results: Briton Ferry Steel (57-0) beat Bronwydd (55) by 10 wkts; Cowbridge (164-8) beat Gowerton (104) by 60 runs; Dafen (101) lost to Maesteg Celtic (119) by 18 runs; Llandysul (138) lost to Tata Steel (153-8) by 15 runs; Llanelli (114) lost to Llangennech (115-6) by 4 wkts.• Llandysul Seconds fared better in division five with a two-wicket win at Mumbles A. Mumbles were out for 136 as Dafydd Hartley, Rhys Jones, Daniel Thomas and Carwyn Jones each picked up two wickets, before Llandysul reached 137 for 8, with top scores by Dafydd Jones (53) and Dafydd Hatley (24 no).Division Five Results: Baglan II (42-9) lost to Llantwit Major Cliers (171-8) by 129 runs; Felinfoel II (120) lost to Skewen II (122-2) by 8 wkts; Llandarcy (123) lost to Cowbridge II (209-4) by 86 runs; Mumbles A (136) lost to Llandysul II (137-8) by 2 wkts; Swansea Civil Service II (151-8) beat Drefach II (92-7) by 59 runs.