HOSTS Aberystwyth University Commoners produced a good all-round performance on uneasy outfield conditions to beat Aberystwyth Seconds by 38 runs in the Rachel’s West Wales Conference last weekend.

The visitors, electing to field in cloudy conditions, soon restricted the hosts to 2 for 21. The Commoners needed overs, time, effort and patience, before gradually repairing their innings, with Ian Lawton and Rakesh Bhatia constructing a valuable 87-run third wicket partnership.

Ian Lawton, who was unfortunately dismissed for 34 runs, had looked very well set to bat through, with opening batsman and temporary captain Rakesh Bhatia also impressing.

There was also a vital contribution from Jan Ruzicka (15 not out), cleverly rotating the strike to the more senior batsman.

Rakesh judged the conditions perfectly and wasn’t put off by the very slow outfield, which robbed him of a century and he remained unbeaten in his knock of 92.

In general, there had been some good bowling spells from Tim Bennet (6 overs 2 for 24) and Jack Carvell (9 overs 0 for 21 runs) to leave the Commoners with 167 runs on board for 4 wickets in a reduced 37 over game.

Following on, the Commoners also made use of the outfield conditions by constraining the visitors to 2 for 44 in 20 overs, thanks to some outstanding bowling spells from Umar Aslam (9 overs 3 for 22), Ian Lawton (9 overs 1 for 27) and Aiden Reverly (9 overs 2 for 25).

Aber Seconds were soon left with a substantial and difficult run chase, but youngster Zaid Khan (32 runs) and Dave Dowell (32 runs) still tried to keep their team in the game. In the end, however, Commoners comfortably won by 38 runs.

This league win has assisted the Commoners in narrowing down the gap at the top of the Rachel’s West Wales Conference 2016 championship table. On Saturday, Talybont welcome Commoners, whilst Tregaron host Aberystwyth Seconds and Llanwrda play hosts to Aberaeron.

League leaders Aberystwyth are due to play Dolgellau at home this Sunday.