TALYBONT Rachel’s were defeated by just four runs in the last over of their thrilling West Wales Conference match against Aberystwyth Seconds at the Geufron, when dismissed for 170 all out, after setting a target 174 for 8.

Having lost the toss, Aberystwyth batted first and moved the score to 37 before Dave Dowell was run out for 23.

Youngster Zaid Khan played some nice shots, before being bowled for 15 by a slower delivery from Joseff Joshi, and then wickets fell regularly to some good bowling from Anish Kurakose and Vinod Mathew.

Anthony Burrell mde 48 and Bryn Roberts 16, before the innings closed on 175 for 9 off 40 overs. Mathew took 2 for 26 and Joshi 2 for 37.

In reply, Rachels started positively against the youthful attack of Tom Williams and Tom Constantine.

The first wicket fell to the latter bowler as Vinod Matthew was well caught by Ethan Marsh for 13 runs.

Phil Abraham was then bowled for 10 by Zaid Khan, but a good partnership from Ben Harper and Sojan put on 40 crucial runs, before Harper was brilliantly run out for 37 runs by Khan to see the score on 95 for 3.

Ethan Marsh and Rowan Dunbabbin then bowled good spells for Aber, with Sojan falling to a good catch from Steff Davies for 26.

The match was very well balanced at 116 for 4 when Anthony Evans and Dave Dowell entered the fray.

Anish deposited Evans’ first ball into the pavillion for a six, but was then bowled next delivery for 28.

Rhodri Lloyd Williams played some fine shots before being bowled by Dowell for 17, and Joshi was removed again by Dowell to leave Rachels on 145 for 6.

Evans then removed Huw Chambers for 0 and had John Glasby magnificently caught out by Steff Davies.

Grayson John, 12, and Ollie Goldsmith, 4, strove on to take the game to the last over, with 8 needed to win.

It was not to be, however, as another run out gave Aber Seconds victory by 4 runs in an excellent match.

For Aber, Anthony Evans took 3 for 16 and Dave Dowell 2 for 12, but it was the excellent catching that proved the difference in the end.