Pembroke (110 for 9) lost to Llechryd (113 for 4) by 6 wkts

LLECHRYD stayed well on course to be crowned as champions of the Thomas Carroll Pembrokeshire League division two, after clinching promotion with a six-wicket success at Pembroke last weekend.

The Teifisiders host Pembroke Dock this Saturday, and the following week will see them take on second in the table Narberth in what promises to be a title decider.

After winning the toss and electing to field, Llechryd ensured that fourth-placed Pembroke found it tough going as the home batsmen struggled to 110 for 9.

Peter Betteley bowled tightly to return 2 wickets for just 10 runs from his 10 overs, including five maidens, and John Curran weighed in with 2 for 33 from 11 overs.

Sam Davies, batting at number eight, was Pembroke’s top scorer with 19 and Jack Harries made 18, but the total was never going to be enough to win the game as Andrew Fletcher returned four wickets for 19 runs from his 6.3 overs.

Llechryd had to overcome the dismissal of opener Mike Carter to bowler Robert Smythe for nought, but Curran and Steve Smith added 73 for the second wicket.

Curran made 49, before he was trapped lbw just one run short of his half century from the bowling of Sam Davies (2 for 28), who also had Smith caught for 23.

Rhys Beard then took the score into treble figures with his knock of 23 runs, before Joe Mansfield (7 not out) and Graham Keen (4 not out) took Llechryd over the line on 113 for 4 in the 22nd over.

• CRYMYCH took another step towards securing their Pembrokeshire division four status as they bowled local rivals Llechryd Seconds all out for 99, before securing their win by seven wickets.

All-rounder Rich Thorne did the damage with 4 wickets for 17 off 8.3 overs, along with Ioan Davies, with 3 for 16 from 9 overs and Rhodri Thomas’ 2 for 26, with James George also taking a wicket.

Llechryd skipper Ollie Roberts top scored with 24 and Peter Gregory made 23, but Crymych reached 100 for 3, thanks to Rich Thorne (43), James George (16) and Rhodri Thomas (17 not out), with young Dafydd Davies returning 2 for 14.