LLECHRYD closed the gap at the top of the Pembrokeshire League division two to only 18 points after they beat promotion rivals Narberth by two wickets in a chase of 152 - but the village side almost blew it in the closing stages when a middle order collapse caused a few concerns.

Thankfully for Llechryd their number seven batsman Andrew Fletcher kept a cool head and a straight bat to see his team through for a very important victory.

Narberth batted first and started well, but some excellent fielding produced a succession of fine catches, with wicket-keeper Fletcher taking two splendid efforts.

One catch from Adam Gilbert at long off to dismiss big-hitting batsman Kyle Quartermaine came at a crucial time in the game, with Narberth on 30, and the visitors threatening to post a score in excess of 200.

Teen Tomos Davies also took a fine catch, whilst veteran Peter Betterley (2 for 18), along with Graham Keen and Leighton O’Connor (3 for 28) kept a tight line and length and maintained the pressure and wickets eventually tumbled.

Fifteen year-old all rounder Louie Davies helped rescue his team and timed the ball beautifully on his way to an impressive score of 28, which included a number of majestic cuts and drives, and there were 20 runs also from Richard Adams.

Narberth, who like their opponents were missing a few regulars, had looked set for a big score at one time, but after a good start they found themselves struggling at 47 for 4 after 18 overs, with three wickets falling in quick succession and for little addition to their score.

The visitors eventually had to settle for 151 all out and a total that looked well short. Forty overs later they were wishing they had managed to hit 20 more runs, as they would surely have won.

The hosts, whose season depended on this result, got off to a poor start as opener Gilbert went cheaply, but fellow opener John Curran and Mike Carter steadied things and were in command, with excellent running between the wickets.

They took full advantage of some sloppy fielding by running several threes, and the score rattled along into three figures and the visitors heads started to go down.

However Curran, who hit some cracking boundaries off the back foot for his 44 and Carter 31, were dismissed in quick succession.

All rounder O’Connor came out like a man on a mission, and hit a big six before his stumps were scattered, and left hander Steve Smith was run out as he ambled in at the bowlers’ end, and all of a sudden Llechryd looked in serious trouble at 139-7 with 11 overs left.

Dafydd Ladd was next to go, caught behind, and Narberth scented victory as they piled on the pressure with none better than young Louie Davies (2 for 25).

Fletcher, who was the recipient of some tasty sledging after he double batted to stop a ball bouncing back on to his wickets, kept very cool and he and Nick North saw their team through for a two wicket win in the end.

Llechryd are now just 18 points behind the Otters with five games to play.

Crucially Narberth host leaders Llangwm this weekend and they could do the Teifisiders a huge favour.

LLECHRYD Seconds’ young guns Joe Mansfield and Jac Davies helped steer their side to a welcome win in a rain affected division four match at Burton with their fine stand of 40 runs.

The heavy drizzle ensured a shortened 28 over game and the hosts posted a total of 109 for 6, with Dan Ridge top scoring on 38, and well backed up by Andrew Cromwell who made 31.

Peter Gregory returned the best figures for the visitors with his seven over spell producing 3 wickets for 24.

In reply Llechryd lost form batsmen Josh Ward early to a good outfield catch, but up stepped Joe Mansfield and Jac Davies and they showed maturity at the crease and shared a 40 run partnership.

Big-hitting all-rounder Gregory came in to join Mansfield (37 not out) at the crease and pushed the score along with a few pulled sixes and fours and Llechryd were quickly over the line with five overs to spare, ending their innings on 112 for 3 after 23 overs. Gregory was top scorer, 40 not out.

With Crymych and Narberth Seconds not playing because of the wet weather this win leaves Llechryd in second place in the division.