First win of the season slips from Penarth’s grasp

8:24am Thursday 22nd May 2008

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PENARTH CC's slow start to the 2008 season continued with another disappointing result, albeit not a loss, against Pentyrch at the Athletic Field.

Penarth won the toss and elected to field and it seemed as though all was going well as Adam Shantry (3-22) and Andy Mason (1-24) reduced the visitors to 35-4.

Skipper Nick Morgan chipped in with a wicket and Pentyrch slumped further to 50-5.

The Pentyrch middle order did a fine job, however, and Richard Jones and Moshin put on 90 which frustrated the Penarth attack, despite some good bowling and fielding.

Mark Thomas finally made some headway towards the end of the innings as his left arm spin picked up 3 wickets and Morgan returned to collect another as Pentyrch finished on a battling 177-9.

Penarth looked to be in a good position to record their much needed first win of the season but it was simply not to be.

Peter Docherty went early and was joined in the pavilion by Jonathan Hughes a short while later as Penarth were 34-2 after 15 overs.

Shantry and Morgan were building steadily and the platform for Penarth to play from looked to have been set.

Shantry fell for 24 to the leg-spin of visiting captain Kris Bell and Amar and JJ Davies both fell to the same bowler in the following 10 overs.

Penarth never really seemed to accelerate their run rate and Morgan's natural instinct to attack was stifled by the loss of wickets at the other end.

James Docherty and Matt Thomas both came and went, and with 10 overs to go Penarth needed 65 runs with just three wickets left.

Morgan tried to push on and the score had moved to 140-7 when he finally succumbed just after passing 50, and it was left to the tail to rack up some much needed bonus points whilst avoiding the possibility of defeat.

Mason fell for 0 and it was a nervy last three overs as James Collins and Mark Thomas looked to secure an extra batting point with four more runs required, and avoid giving a wicket away.

Thomas duly responded as he clubbed a wild delivery from Bell for 4 and then blocked out the final balls to record a losing draw and 9 points to see Penarth lifted from the bottom of the Premier League table.

SECONDS

It was a more productive day for the 2nd XI as a makeshift side travelled to Pentyrch and came away with an impressive 6 wicket victory.

Pentyrch won the toss and elected to bat but were soon regretting their decision.

Peter Ingram (1-13) and Gareth Hunt (2-18) started the ball rolling for Penarth and it was downhill from there for the home side.

Rhodri and Gregg Morgan helped themselves to 2 wickets each, as did Matt Jones. A run out completed the rout as the previously undefeated home side slumped to 108 all out.

The Penarth reply was a measured affair with Conrad Adams proving the anchor of the innings with a patient 15 in 30 overs. James Erasmus and Rob Jones added a few each and Andy Jones was the 4th wicket to fall.

Dave Stevens with 35 not out brought proceedings to a close as Penarth picked up 19 points and recorded their first win of the season under the astute leadership of stand skipper Steve Newman.

THIRDS

The 3rd XI, severely hit by FA cup related unavailability, were comprehensively beaten by Llanarth who amassed 240-2 in their 45 overs.

Penarth never looked like getting near this although captain Rob Crimp did his best with a fine 70.

* All players and members are reminded that on Saturday there is a barbecue and Barbados Tour evening. Throughout the night information will be given out on the 2010 tour to Barbados - plus some food and a chance to have the first real catch up of the summer!