MIKE Devoy fell just three runs short of a magnificent ton after firing Glangrwyney 1sts to a great start away to Miskin Manor 3rds in South East Wales 8.

The skipper opener's 87-ball knock included 14 fours and a six before he holed out just short of a century, following an 87-run opening stand with Mark Waldeck (16) and a 70-run second-wicket stand with Nathan Holley (26).

Ryan Murphy-Sharpe, who fired a century a week earlier, then fired 48 off 38 balls, including three sixes, backed by Tim Jones with 20 not out, as Glan reached a formidable 237-4 off 40 overs.

Miskin were quickly 14-2 in reply thanks to two Holley catches off the bowling of Ryan Pugh, who finished with figures of 2-31.

But the visitors then reached 91 without further loss before Pugh clutched a catch off the bowling of Kristian Gilling.

Devoy then took a catch off a Tim Jones ball without further score to dismiss danger man Iestyn Herridge for 51 to (91-4).

And second catches for both Pugh and Devoy off Jones deliveries had Miskin rocking at 115-6.

To their credit, the hosts reached 164 without further loss, skipper Gareth Jeffries firing 52, before finishing on 200-9, 37 runs short of the target, Jones taking 4-32 and Devoy 2-40.

The win leaves Glan sixth, 19 points above the drop zone and almost certainly secure before Saturday's final league game at home to Dinays Powys 2nds.

But Glan's 2nds lost by four wickets at home to Abercarn 2nds in SEW 15 after being restricted to 119-7 off 40 overs.

Ian McSkeane scored 37 and James McIlroy 33 before the visitors reached 120-6 in 26.5 overs, the latter taking 3-34.

Glan are safe in 11th with a trip to face Radyr 6ths in their final game.