ABERGAVENNY CC’s First XI beat Miskin Manor on the weekend aided and abetted by a matching winning partnership of 86 from Luke Bowen (58) and Gareth Burkitt (42).

After being inserted by Will Glen, Miskin Manor batted first. They lost a very early wicket as one of the openers was out the first ball he faced, caught by Glen and bowled by Adam Harrison.

There was then a stand for the second wicket of 80 runs. But after that wickets fell at reasonably regular intervals with Abergaveny’s six bowlers all contributing. David Clarke (2-43), Sam Clarke (2-27) and Ben Morris 92-30) all with two wickets each and Geraint Leach, Ben Davies and Adam Harrison with one wicket each. Miskin were all out for 188 runs in the 49th over.

Abergavenny in chasing down the target started well and put on 49 for the first wicket. Will Glen departed having contributed (32) runs. Adam Harrison followed quickly with the score on 54. There then followed a match winning partnership of 86 between Bowen and Burkitt. This was followed by a slight ‘wobble’ which was corrected by Sam Clarke (19*) to see Abergavenny home for the loss of eight wickets at 194 -8. Abergavenny are away to Cardiff Gymkhana CC next week.

The Second X1 lost comprehensively at Abercynon. They didn’t field very well, dropping a number of catches, on what looked a very green underprepared wicket. The outfield also made it difficult for ground fielding. The bowlers toiled away and after some early success for openers Gareth Powell (2-30), Huw Griffiths (2-24), Richard James (2-26), and Lewis Wilkes-McCarthy (1-30), Abercynon went on to amass a very unlikely 221 for eight as spinners Andy Timpson and Tom Pipe leaked 102 runs from 13 overs. The burly figure of Darren Reeby completing an undefeated century. In reply Abergavenny lost their opener in the first over and struggled thereafter with just Tom Pipe (11), Lee Fury (11) and skipper Steve Brown (22) reaching double figures as they were all out for just 86 in 29 Overs. The seconds are at home next week to Cardiff CC 3rd X1.

Abergavenny Third X1 won the toss and elected to field against Creigiau Second X1 who scored 174-7 in their 40 overs. In reply Abergavenny were bowled out for 155, 20 short of their target. However emerging young cricketer Tom Norton had a great game, bowling and batting with distinction.

On Saturday, Glangrwyney travelled to league leaders Builth Wells. With a much changed team from the previous week, Captain Mike Devoy won the toss and elected to bat first on a green but very firm wicket. After a steady start from opening pair of Devoy and Mark Evans, runs started to flow.

After drinks Mike Devoy was caught at cover for 51 trying to increase the scoring rate with the score on 124. G. Holmes joined Mark Evans and put on 49 in 10 overs before Holmes was dismissed. Tom Cole went soon after. With the score on 176 for three after 35 overs, Glangrwyney were in a position of strength to post a very competitive total. Mark Evans hit his maiden 100 for the club and was eventually out for a well made 116. Glangrwyney finished up on 232 for six.

After tea Builth made a slow start and lost opener S. Anderson for eight, bowled by Devoy. This brought Sam William to the crease. With the score on 28 for one after eight overs, Sam Williams started to play a few shots, dispatching anything over pitched or balls with width to the boundary. Devoy took himself off and introduced Jules Hardwick into the attack. At first this curtailed the runs, but as Williams started to go through the gears the ball was being dispatched to all parts. With Winston Williams steadily accumulating at the other end they had added 120 in 20 overs before Jules Hardwick dismissed Winston Williams for 43. Unfortunately there was no stopping Sam Williams as he raced to 138 not out, winning the game for Builth in 34 overs.