South Wales Premier League Cricket

Ynysygerwn (130) lost to Ammanford (133-4) by six wickets

Ammanford moved up to third position in the South Wales Premier League thanks to a thoroughly convincing six-wicket victory at Ynysygerwn on Saturday.

The hosts had the confidence to bat first after winning the toss, but their self-belief proved misplaced as Jack Murphy had opener Ryan Sylvester caught in the slips off the first ball.

Sylvester was followed by former Glamorgan player Richard Grant with the score on 22, and his departure signalled a steady fall of wickets, only Will Owen (56) was able to provide any resistance by staying to the bitter end.

Ammanford’s bowling and fielding were first rate and they looked like the team which won the Premier League a couple of seasons ago.

Sean Coaker was the main wicket taker with three for 23, while Matthew Fisher (2-20) and Matthew Roberts (2-28) chipped in with a couple each.

Ammanford had an interesting start to their innings, scoring at around seven an over while at the same time losing wickets, the first three of which fell to the all-rounder Owen.

At 47 for four however the visitors began to settle as Gareth Slade joined Jack Murphy.

The pair decided to finish the game in style.

Murphy hit an unbeaten 44 from 48 deliveries while Slade was not out 31 from 39 balls.

The game was won within 20 overs, and the result pushed Ammanford into a healthy third place.

Next week they entertain fifth-placed Cardiff at the Park.

Meanwhile, Ammanford seconds managed to hold on to a draw in an entertainingly high-scoring match at the Park against their Ynysygerwn counterparts on Saturday.

Ynys batted first and raced to a magnificent 318 for seven, their main scorers being Alex Powell (90no) and Christopher Baker (49). Matthew Warnes took a creditable three for 47 for Ammanford.

To their credit, the hosts went after the huge target, but it proved beyond them despite good knocks from Huw Jenkins (43) and the indomitable Jason Rosser (34).

Harri Jones (28no) and Matthew Warnes (6no) managed to hold out and Ammanford closed their 50 overs on 249 for nine.