AMMANFORD slipped to the bottom of Premier One with a 20 run defeat to Newport in another high-scoring match at the Park on Saturday.

Ammanford skipper Alun Evans looked to have made the right decision when he invited Newport to bat and promptly took the wicket of opener Morgan Bevans with the score on 1.

That was as far as their luck went, though. The next wicket didn’t fall for another 130 runs as Michael Clayden (58) and Callum Taylor (93) made the most of a friendly batting track.

A further setback for the home team took the shape of Mujahid Ilyas who blasted a rapid 68 which included 6 sixes.

Newport closed on a forbidding 277 for 5.

Forbidding, but not impossible.

Ammanford got off to their best start for several seasons as Alun Evans (73) and Matthew Fisher took the opening stand to 185.

When Fisher fell for a terrific 112, Ammanford still needed 90 runs at ten and over, and despite a quickfire unbeaten 41 from Dan Roberts, couldn’t make up the rate.

When Evans was dismissed for 73, that signalled the end of Ammanford’s challenge and they fell short of their target by 20 runs.

Ammanford have now scored 516 runs in their last two matches without a win.

Next week they face another tough trip as they travel to league leaders St Fagans.

*Meanwhile on Sunday, June 13, Ammanford reached the next round of the SWCA T20 Knockout Cup by beating Carmarthen Wanderers by 6 wickets with 2 overs to spare.

Wanderers batted first and reached 91 for 9, thanks mainly to Tom Davies (37) and Iestyn Scourfield (23).

For Ammanford, Matthew Fisher picked up 3 for 17 while Owen Davies and Callum Croft bagged a couple each.

Ammanford took just 18 overs to overhaul the Carmarthen total for the loss of four wickets.

Josef Davies top-scored with 35, helped by Rhodri Davies (16) and Matthew Fisher (22no).

Ammanford second XI

Ammanford seconds recorded their first win of the season with a well-earned victory at Gorseinon.

Put in to bat, Ammanford scored 204 for 6. Openers Adam Lyons (44) and Callum Croft (58) gave them a great start while number three Fin Jeffries chipped in with 22.

Gorseinon could only manage 179 in reply, opener Jamie Hill being their top scorer with 48.

Fin Jeffries turned in a good bowling performance with 4 for 38, supported by Iestyn Jones and Jac Davies with a couple each.

The victory enabled Ammanford to leap-frog Gorseinon off the foot of the table.

Ammanford third XI

Ammanford’s third XI defeated Llanelli seconds by 82 runs in the SWCA Intermediate Cup at the Park on Sunday.

Batting first, Ammanford scored a creditable 144 for 7 from their 20 overs.

Steffan Wyn Williams top-scored with 41, whilst other contributions came from David Lumb (21) Sam Potter (17) and Neville Pritchard (29no).

Llanelli could only manage 62 for 6 in reply, Sam Potter picking up two wickets for 10 runs.