ON what was the hottest Saturday of the year, Llanarth seconds were roasted in more ways than one.

Visitors Newport won the toss and unsurprisingly opted to bat first.

After only a few overs it seemed clear that there would be a hard afternoon ahead for the Llanarth fielders, chasing leather across a baked lightening quick outfield as the Newport openers began to enjoy themselves.

Eian Johnson however made the breakthrough and when the wily Colin Griffiths got into the action picking up three wickets in his spell, things began to look better for Llanarth.

A wicket each for youngsters Seth Butler, Harry Goddard and Dan Moseley reduced the visitors to 141 for seven after 25 overs and the home side had visions of an early tea and a gettable total. Alas this turned out to be a mirage as the later batsmen took advantage of the tiring bowlers and toiling fielders by flogging the ball to all parts. The final total of 268 for nine was probably only just over par but very disappointing from the position of strength that Llanarth had established.

The tea break was all too short a time for Llanarth and they were soon back out to begin the run chase. The skipper fell early again and it was up to Will Heath and Dave Griffiths to give the innings some substance. This they did to great effect in contrasting styles Heath with his trademark pulls through mid-wicket and Griffiths with some big hits straight down the ground. It was a shame that Griffiths was out just before the drinks break for 42 with the score on 99 but the partnership had certainly laid a foundation for a second half assault on the target.

Heath continued with new partner Butler but gradually began to fall below the required rate. Butler decided to up the ante and struck three consecutive boundaries taking his personal score to 32 but perished looking for a fourth. Eventually Heath also succumbed as much to the heat as to the bowling for an excellent 64. Holley and Johnson succeded in creating a pleasant breeze with some ferocious bat waving and if they had connected with a few more deliveries Llanarth might have got closer to the target. As it was there was too much to do when they departed and Matthew Binmore and Dan Moseley could do little more than ensure respectability as the innings closed on 217 for six.