Cricket - Usk were beaten by Ammanford (From South Wales Guardian)

Cricket - Usk were beaten by Ammanford

8:00am Wednesday 15th August 2012 in Sport

Wales Premier League Cricket

Usk (136) were beaten by Ammanford (137-1) by nine wickets

AMMANFORD spent a second week at the top of the Premier League after an emphatic nine-wicket victory at picturesque Usk on Saturday.

A rare win of the toss prompted Ammanford captain Alun Evans to invite the home team to take first knock, and the Usk openers got off to a steady if at times fortunate start, the ball beating the bat regularly.

They successfully rode their luck for 20 overs with an opening partnership of 68 before a double bowling change brought it to an abrupt end.

Mark Keir (31) was caught and bowled by Matthew Fisher, whilst the same bowler quickly removed fellow opener Mark Tamplin (22).

Fisher continued to bore a hole through the Usk innings, taking six wickets for 22, helped at the other end by skipper Evans (2-28).

The final two wickets were mopped up by the other Matthews, Roberts and Donohue, as Usk crumbled to a modest 134 all out in 46 overs.

Ammanford got off to a highly circumspect start, waiting until the fifth over before scoring a run.

With four on the board, Rhodri Davies mistimed a pull and was well caught at mid wicket.

Rhydian Harris was joined by Alun Evans, and within minutes of Evans appearing at the crease the game changed momentum with a couple of quick boundaries.

The skipper’s aggression rubbed off on Harris, and both batsmen set about punishing the Usk attack with a wellchosen selection of quick singles and blistering boundaries.

It took them just 34 overs to pass the Usk total, Harris’s 65 containing a six and seven fours, and Evans packing eight fours into his 62.

The 20 points earned for this victory ensured Ammanford stayed eight points ahead of Mumbles who beat Sully.

Next Saturday Ammanford entertain Pontarddulais at the Park while Mumbles are away to Bridgend.

Should both the top two be successful, it sets up a cracking climax the following week when Ammanford travel to Mumbles.