ON a drab and dull Saturday afternoon, it was left for the cricket to shine and provide some heat when the Glang met Dales CC.

Glangrwyney skipper Mike Devoy won the toss and elected to bat on what proved to be a very bowler friendly wicket.

Devoy himself got the home team off to a rapid start, reaching 24 before perishing, two quick wickets followed before Barry Sharpe and Marc Morgan took the score near to three figures. Sharpe fell for 26, then Morgan for 16. After some lusty stroke play from Lewis Cooke (28) and Nick Jones (16), Glangrwyney collapsed to 150 all out, with five of their allotted overs remaining.

Pick of the Dales CC bowling was Ian Jones, taking four for 41. He was ably supported by Chris Breeze(2-30), Michael Batson (2-6), Jack Rowsell (1-27) and Adrian Gore (1-39).

The Dales innings started slowly, this was hampered by an excellent opening spell from Glan bowlers Devoy and Nicki Jones. Then after the introduction of Marc Morgan’s off spin, the visitors were looking in trouble having been reduced to 56 for five. An inspired partnership between Rowsell (42) and Batson (36) took the Herefordshire outfit close, but another flurry of wickets saw Dales all out for 126.

Man of the match, Nicki Jones was the talisman of the Glan bowling with figures of three for 13 from his 12 overs. Fantastic support was received from Devoy (2-46), Morgan (2-25) and the ever dependable Jules Hardwick (2-31). The bowling was also backed up by awesome home team fielding display.

Overall it was a thoroughly satisfying league opener from the home side, which provides hope for the season going forward.

Glangrwyney Second Xl were away for their opening game of the season at Hay on Wye. Glangrwyney won the toss and elected to field. It was Hay on Wye however who got the better start.

The opening partnership of Rhydian Evans-Bevan (60) and Matthew Foulkes who made an unbeaten 110 all but took the game away from Glangrwyney. This was supported by a handy 27 from Ben Warne and 55 from Tim Masters. Hay completed the 40 overs on a formidable 287 for three. Glangrwyney wicket takers were Jonty Jones with two wickets and John Hopper with onre.

All in all it was a dogged fielding performance against what was a very strong Hay batting performance.

Glangrwyney in response made a strong start with openers Steve Jerrams (29) and James McIlroy (57) putting on a century partnership for the opening wicket however the Hay bowlers were able to keep the pressure on and restricted the runs making it tough to score. The game finished with Glangrwyney making 142 for three in their 40 overs and Hay on Wye taking the spoils.

Next week sees the First Xl travelling away to local rivals Crickhowell and the Second Xl at home to Bartestree & Lugwardine.