Glangrwyney’s return to Division One of the Marches league this season, saw the renewal of the local derby with Crickhowell, a fixture first played way back in 1887.

Saturday’s game saw the home Captain, Glangrwyney’s Mike Devoy, surprising the visitors by winning the toss and electing to bat - a decision perhaps governed more by one or two late arrivals in his team, rather than on an analysis of the wicket.

Crickhowell however, were more than happy to bowl first, and made life difficult for Glangrwyney’s top order. The pace of opener Joseph Bowker saw the back of opener Daniel and the other opening bowler, Tim Price, had the dangerous Barry Sharpe caught at mid on with his very first ball.

Heffernan offered some resistance before being stumped, with veterans Phill Bowker and wicketkeeper Rylan Wallace combining well to keep up the pressure. But with Nick Jones also falling to Joseph Bowker it was left to the captain Devoy and partner McCroy to rebuild.

This they were doing admirably, before first change bowler Ben Bowker bowled a short delivery to Devoy who hooked long and high towards wide mid off.

Enter Ioan Lilley who sprinted 20 yards before diving full length to take a stunning one-handed catch four inches off the ground. Catches certainly can win matches, and for Lilley this was his second of the match, but more importantly this one saw the back of the ominous Devoy who was looking good on 40.

With Glangrwyney’s late arrivals now present and with their most experienced batsman still to come, a respectable score somewhere in the region of 200 was still a possibility.

Tim Jones though seemed to be bamboozled by one of Phill Bowker’s slowest of slower balls, comprehensively bowled, and with his departure, the home side could thank McCroy (top scoring on 46) and Astee (not out 28) for the final score of 169.

Batting seemed to become a little easier against the softer, older ball, but the Crickowell bowlers stuck to their task and Joseph Bowker finished with 2-56, Tim price 1-34 and Ben Bowker (courtesy of ‘that catch’ from Lilley) 1-17. Justin Francis also took two important wickets and Phill Bowker finished with 2-38 off his 12 overs.

Crickhowell’s reply followed a similar pattern to Glangrwyney, with opening bowlers Devoy and Hardwick bowling a tight line and the Crickowell batsmen finding it difficult to score quickly.

So at 52 for four after 20 overs, Glagrwyney were still in the game. Opener Lilley though was looking assured as wickets fell at the other end.

Joseph Bowker came in at number six and gave the innings some much needed impetus scoring a quick 30 off 18 balls. But with his departure and brother Ben, soon following to an LBW decision, at 120 for six, Glangrwyney must have still felt that they were in with a chance.

Ryland Wallace though joined Lilley at the crease, and these two, effortlessly added the 50 runs needed for victory. Lilley finished on an unbeaten 84 and by far looked like the best batsmen on display across both innings and Wallace chipped in with 25 not out, showing all his experience, playing a very sound, supporting role to the star of the day and ‘man of the match’, Ioan Lilley. Devoy finished with figures of 4-35, Hardwick 1-31 and the only other wicket taker for Glangrwyney was young Heffernan with one for 45