GLANGRWYNEY CC's First XI kicked off their Marches League campaign with a dramatic one-run victory at Builth Wells on Saturday.

Joe Bowker was the hero, claiming a hat-trick in a remarkable 12 over spell of eight for 15.

The afternoon had started badly for Glan as they were reduced to 10-men due to a late withdrawal through illness. Things did not improve when, having lost the toss, they were asked to bat on a pitch slowed by the recent heavy rain, and soon found themselves in trouble at 29 for four.

Ben Bowker and opener Mike Parker guided Glan past 50, but scoring was proving difficult against the Builth attack. Another flurry of wickets left Glangrwyney at 69-7, but Parker remained resolute and, ably assisted by the tail, took the score past 100 before he was eventually dismissed for 51 – an excellent innings in difficult conditions.

Phil Bowker and skipper Geoff Holmes managed to negotiate the remaining overs before Holmes was dismissed, closing the innings on 118.

Glangrwyney knew early wickets would be vital if they were to claim victory, particularly with only 10 men in the field.

However, not in their wildest dreams could they have foreseen the events that were about to unfold when Joe Bowker removed dangerous opener Gerald Morgan with his first ball.

Just 11 overs later, Bowker bowled James Morgan to claim a hat-trick having ripped through the Builth Wells top-order with a devastating spell of fast bowling, leaving their innings in tatters at 27 for seven.

An early finish looked on the cards, with Bowker odds-on to claim a 10-wicket haul; however, Builth skipper Ant Mead and opening bowler Adam Morgan had other ideas.

Stubborn defence saw off Bowker, as they steadily pushed the score towards their target of 119.

Dropped catches added to Glan's growing frustration, but the reintroduction of Bowker provided the breakthrough as he dismissed Mead with the score at 100 to claim his eighth wicket.

Builth continued to edge towards their target though, and with Bowker having completed his 12 overs, the game looked to have swung decisively in their favour.

Phil Bowker and Richard Ashe, the latter having only recently returned from a hamstring injury, kept scoring opportunities to a minimum, but at 117-9 Builth were just one shot from victory.

However, moments later a disconsolate Morgan sunk to his knees at the wicket after being bowled by Phil Bowker, sparking wild celebrations among the Glangrwyney players.

Next week Glangrwyney welcome newly promoted Weobley as they look to continue their unbeaten start to the season.