AMMANFORD secured an emphatic eight wicket victory in an emotionally charged match against Pontarddulais in their South Wales Premier Cricket League match at the Park on Saturday.

Following a minute’s silence, Ammanford were determined to put on a good show in memory of their much-missed scorer Gary Phillips who passed away.

Put in to bat, Bont lost wickets regularly, and despite a half-century from Richard Grant, were all out for 139 in 46 overs. Matthew Fisher (3-34) and Josef Davies (3-21) were Ammanford’s leading wicket takers, ably supported by Owen Davies, (2-42) and Matthew Roberts (2-18) on his welcome return to the club.

Bont were hopeful when they dismissed Ammanford’s other returnee, opener Elis Richards, with the score on 23, but their hopes quickly dissipated when man of the match Matthew Fisher was joined by Dan Roberts.

These two took the score to within 23 of their target, before Roberts was dismissed for 40. Fisher carried his bat for a masterly 79 and Ammanford polished off the victory in style with eight wickets and 25 overs to spare.

This precious win lifts Ammanford two places clear of the foot of the table, though only seven points separate the bottom three. Next week, Ammanford welcome to the Park in-form Bridgend, who currently occupy fourth place in Premier One.

  • Ammanford seconds lost by eight wickets in a high-scoring match against Pontarddulais at Ffosyrefail.

Put in to bat, Ammanford scored 256 for 9, thanks mainly to a second wicket partnership of 151 between Matthew Davies (33) and Callum Croft with an excellent century.

In reply, Cameron Davey (91) and Lewis Edwards (84no) provided the match-winning 159 run partnership, and Matthew Williams (40no) also saw out the victory.