Match Reports
Sat 13th May
A case of what should have been….
Newport 215-5
Bridgend 198
On extremely overcast day that would have had Derek the weatherman ecstatic at the possibility of heavy, thundery showers, Bridgend made the trip east, past the 8 mile traffic jams of Liverpool and West Ham supporters to Newport for the first division clash with the Fugies.
With it being difficult to spot the difference between the wicket and the outfield, after winning the toss the home side surprised the visitors by electing to bat. This seemed justified as Newport made a fine start despite some excellent bowling from the luckless Adam Weaver.
Bridgend managed to haul themselves back into to the game thanks mainly to a 14 over stint from St.John Towell, who ended with 2-48, and Les Cutter who swung the ball prodigiously to take out 3 of the top order batsmen. However, with Bridgend coming to terms with the higher standard of cricket, home captain Richard Jones made a fine 68 batting at number six after being given a lifeline when he was dropped, in what can only be described as a sitter, when he had only made 10. This miss undoubtedly cost Bridgend dearly as the home side went on to make a respectable 215 for 5 from their 50 overs.
With a strong batting line up, Bridgend still expected to chase down the target, although things didn’t go as planned when Newport stalwart Bev Price removed Grant Humphries early on. Bridgend were right back on track thanks to a fine partnership between Max Brown (56) and Les Cutter (38). With just 70 required from the last 18 overs and plenty of wickets in hand the Town were in the box seat.
However, the removal of Brown, quickly followed by Cutter and a flurry of poor shots from the visitors, saw Bridgend fall 17 short, ending up 198 all out. Only St.John Towell, with 26, made any impression in what was an extremely disappointing middle order batting display.
Bridgend will need to learn quickly from their mistakes for the visit of lowly placed Malpas next week.
Sat 3rd June
Town's bowlers get their radar right
Bridgend 209-6
Radyr 85
After a fortnight of incessant rain it was a joy to wake up on a Saturday morning to clear blue skies and plenty of warm sunshine. One downside was that Richard Morgan felt the need to get is fake tanned legs out, while Darren Jack Lingley also wore shorts for the first time – ever! Comments such as “from the waist down he looks like he has a pair of milk bottles” were ringing around the boundary – all I can say is thank goodness for his Argentina rugby socks!
Things didn’t start well for the home side as many of players turned up late and hung-over due to the Bryan Adams “Home coming” rock concert at the Brewery Field the night before. Preparations were further hampered as Ali Dalton had made the strange decision to play the whole game on one leg and therefore only required one boot! Skipper Morris had suspicions when Dalts said “I am going to have to go back and get the other one”. A quick call “The Pelican” confirmed his suspicions as the landlord stated that the pub was packed, full of totty and the only regular he couldn’t see was a certain Mr. Dalton. However, Dalts made it back it good time, despite the 10 minute journey taking the best part of 50.
Bridgend suffered an early loss when in form Peter Stanton misread a terribly disguised slower ball (Stanton being one of the “Summer of 69’s”). However a solid partnership of 66 between Grant Humphries (61) and Spencer Collier (25) ensued. It was a shame when Collier missed a straight one after doing all the hard work of getting in, but it did set up the prospect of Humphries and a two booted Dalton batting together for the first time this season. Things progressed nicely for the home side with a partnership of 47 in double quick time. Dalton played some glorious off drives, while Humphries continued to bully the opposition attack in his usual fashion.
When Dalton and Humphries departed in quick succession the estimated target of 230 looked a long way away. Not for the first time this season Les Cutter played beautifully as well as extremely sensibly. His 42 came off 52 balls and ensured that the town finished with a reasonable 209 for 6 on what was a slow and difficult Bridgend wicket. Cutter was ably supported by skipper Morris (15*) whose strike rate of 102% would make England star stroke maker Kevin Pieterson proud, and less ably supported by Richard Morgan (10). Adam Weaver rounded off the innings in superb fashion with a sumptuous boundary to end on 6 not out.
At tea, both teams were happy with the situation with Radyr’s strength undoubtedly being their batting. Unfortunately for them, their reply started poorly, ended poorly and was pretty poor in the middle. Only Jonathan Wilson with a defiant 33 made it into double figures. Radyr finished on 85 all out, and Bridgend won by 124 runs.
Adam Weaver once again bowled superbly without any luck and his 1-15 off eight was no justice for the way he consistently beat the edge of the bat and frightened the opposition batsmen. Les Cutter, bowling into a head wind of 100mph, returned excellent figures of 3-29, including a wonderful slower ball to remove the Radyr danger man Howard Stone.
The Town’s change bowlers of Dominic Mabbs and Jack “That has to be out” Lingley hammered home the advantage. Mabbs was probably the pick of the bowlers, with of a lovely spell of Fast Medium off cutters and thoroughly deserved his 3-19 return.
As for the Tempus Fugit turner, once again he put produced a consistent spell, with an array of off breaks, leg breaks and doosra’s. Perhaps the highlight of the day for Lingley was claiming his 100th wicket for the club in only his 10th season, when he had the threatening Wilson stumped by his special friend Dickie Morgan.
All in all this was a wonderful team performance by the home side with everyone playing their part. The Town now look forward to travelling to Pontypridd and playing on the bowlers graveyard that is Ynysangharad Park.
Come on the Town!
First XI scribe
Sat 10th June
Humphries class makes it two in two for the town
Pontypridd 178-9
Bridgend 179-7
After a week of is it on, or is it off, the Pontypridd ground was finally declared fit on Friday evening, to allow this first division clash to go ahead as planned.
“The Full Ponty” pop concert left the Pontypridd ground in what can only be described as a mess. Without doubt, Ynysangharad Park is one of the best cricket grounds in Wales, making it a highlight of the season for most visitors, but after the Bank Holiday bash it became a shadow of its former self. As a result, the ground was declared unfit for play two weeks ago, which lead to the local council carrying out intensive work programme on the outfield. To their credit, the ground was no worse than many other outfields in the league.
On what was possibly the hottest day of the year, skipper Morris unselfishly lost the toss and the Town were in the field.
Things started very well for Bridgend when Adam Weaver delivered a very sharp bouncer to opening bat Russell Price, which caught the left hander straight on the grill. The ball went sharply to first slip where Max Brown managed to knee it down to fine leg for one. This clearly unsettled Price who was trapped LBW by Les Cutter in the second over for nought.A solid half century partnership between Pontypridd stalwart Gareth Owen (39) and Andrew Collins (37), gave the town plenty to think about, with Collins playing some extremely aggressive strokes.
However, Collins fell for the sucker punch when Dominic Mabbs bowled a well disguised slower ball which was expertly caught in the deep by Darren Lingley. This was the first over a number of good catches held by the town, and along with two run outs, including a fine direct hit from Weaver, contributed to a fine all round fielding display which left Pontypridd with a below par 178 for 9 off their 50 overs.
Chief destroyer was once again Darren Lingley who claimed four wickets. It really should have been five for the off spinner, but this week, his special friend Dickie Morgan failed to pick his doosra and missed an easy stumping opportunity. A wicket for St.John Towell, who bowled an excellent 15 overs stint in searing heat, completed the dismissals for the town.
The Bridgend reply stuttered early on with both Peter Stanton and Max Brown back in the pavilion without using too much of the scorers ink. Not for the first time this season Brown fell foul of a disappointing umpiring decision, which hawk eye clearly proved was not out.
Collier (15) joined Grant Humphries and a solid partnership steered the town to 88 for 2. A middle order flutter gave the home side a slight sniff of victory, but this just led to Humphries digging in and playing a wonderful array of strokes all around the wicket. The Pontypridd attack had no answer. Humphries finished on 94 not out and was ably supported by St.John Towell (26) and Adam Weaver (10 not out) to see the visitors home with 8 overs to spare and 3 wickets in hand.
Town now look forward to the visit of Barry next Saturday.
First XI scribe
Sat 17th June
Dalton is back as Town edge up to fourth
Bridgend 218
Barry 212-7
A beautiful sun drenched Saturday saw the visit of old rivals Barry to Newbridge Fields. With it being one of the hottest days of the year, and the Bridgend wicket looking a belter, losing the toss was not an option.
Thankfully, the sun gods shone on the home side and the Town sent the visitors into the field. Barry responded with some excellent bowling from the old war horse that is Pete Hellyar and promising 16 year old left arm spinner Andrew Thomas.
Hellyar saw to Peter Stanton and the prolific Grant Humphries (23) in a controlled opening burst. However after these early wickets, Bridgend responded with a number of good partnerships. Ali Dalton (73), who drove, swept and cut the opposition bowlers to all parts of the ground, played the lead role in the Bridgend assault. Alistair, who is known for being a bit of a trend setter about town, didn’t just look good with the bat in hand.
For once, he managed to remember all his kit including wearing the latest in cricket chic. Remember that dress worn by Liz Hurley (you know the one, the black tight fitter, held together with gold clips)? Well Dalton had his own version, a pair of flared Slazenger off white trousers held together with some pretty sturdy insulation tape (supplied by DSL investments). Anyway, before I slip too far into the world of Trinny and Susannah, let’s get back to the cricket. Dalton, was extremely well supported by the athletic Max Brown (30), and the presence that is, St.John ‘Jerry Springer’ Towell (32).
Despite these partnerships, Barry still managed to take wickets at regular intervals, hampering the Town’s attempts to make an unreachable target. In the end, vital contributions from Morgan, Morris and Lingley saw Bridgend make a par score of 218 all out and more importantly not concede any overs for the Barry response.
With the Town attack missing valuable fire power from Adam Weaver, Towell took the new ball with sensible Les Cutter. Weaver’s absence was certainly apparent as Barry got off to a flyer. Mike Haswell (67) and Barry captain Steve Jones making hay in balmy early evening sunlight. An excellent delivery from Towell (1-32)accounted for Jones, and a change at the town end brought Dominic Mabbs into the attack. Mabbs (2-58), was the pick of the home side bowling, claiming the vital wicket of Haswell. However, despite a flurry of wickets, the visitors were still not out of it.
Another of the Barry stalwarts, Lee Morgan made a patient (57 not out), but in the end it was not enough, as some excellent catching from Dickie Morgan behind the stumps and some tight death bowling from the ever present Darren Lingley (2-73) saw Barry end up 6 runs short on 212 for 7. Allied to the performances on the field, the Town were indebted to some extremely vocal support off it. “Give’em one and save the four”, is already looking likely to be top of the hit parade by the end of the summer.
This win and Pontypridd’s defeat at Rogerstone saw Bridgend move up to fourth position. With just an away trip to Hoovers left before the turn around, Bridgend are well placed for a big push in the second half of the season.
Jerry, Jerry, Jerry
First XI scribe
Sat 24th June
Town sweep up the points at Hoovers
Hoovers 189-9
Bridgend 191-2
With the cricket season flying by at break neck speed, Bridgend 1st XI made the short trip up the A470, to play last years promotion challengers Hoovers, for the last game before the fixtures are reversed for the second half of the season.
Not for the first time this season, the Town lost the toss and were asked to field. With overcast conditions, St.John Towell (1-45) managed to remove one of the young Hoovers openers with a real knee breaker of a delivery.
However this early wicket brought home skipper and prolific batsman Simon Davies to the wicket. Davies who has been in good form this season, smashed the ball to all parts of the ground for a fine 70, despite giving a couple of difficult chances, firstly to Richard Morgan and a rather less difficult chance (i.e. “dolly”) to visiting skipper Morris.
Davies was ably supported by another young Hoovers hopeful Carl James (43). The breakthrough came, when Dominic Mabbs (1-45) removed James, and not or the first time this season, Darren Lingley (3-39) produced one of his magic balls, to remove the dangerous Davies.
Some excellent catching in the second half of the innings, especially from Richard Morgan, meant that Hoovers slipped from 130 for 2, to 189 for 9 at the end of their 50 overs. The pick of the bowlers was once again young paceman Adam Weaver, who took 4 for 34 from his 15.
With the Hoovers wicket looking a real batsman’s paradise, the Town were definitely the happier of the two sides at tea.
A solid opening partnership of 40 between Spencer Collier (10) and Grant Humphries set the Town on their way to chasing down the below par total. Bridgend had a slight flutter when Collier was given out LBW by the umpire (who was obviously more impressed with the appeal than the fact that ball wouldn’t have hit a second set of stumps) and Max Brown fell in quick succession.
Unfortunately for the home side, these wickets only served to see in form Ali Dalton come to the wicket. What followed was worth paying money for.
Humphries played beautifully, placing the ball to all parts of the ground, while Dalton showed his undoubted class with some sublime stroke play. The Hoovers bowlers had no answer and had to resort to bowling full pitched beamers that were lucky not to seriously injure Dalton and the home wicketkeeper Gary Flye.
As the Town closed in on the total, Humphries reached a well deserved hundred, to finish on 105 not out. Dalton also completed a half century to make it two in two weeks. Fittingly he ended the game with a lovely straight drive back over the bowlers head, finishing on 55 not out and seeing the Town home to an excellent 8 wicket victory.
This made it four wins on the trot for Bridgend, who must take this good form, in to next weeks’ top of the table clash against high flyers Sully Centurions.
First XI scribe
Sat 8th July
Adam Weaves some magic at Rogerstone
Bridgend 158
Rogerstone 76
Bridgend Town bounced back to winning ways, to record their first double of the season over in form Rogerstone. After a poor start, Rogerstone have won three of their last four games in the league, and with Bridgend missing a few key personnel this was never going to be an easy task for the visitors.
However, on arrival it was clear that the home side also had a few selection worries of their own, due to skipper Gary Williams and star batsman Andrew Harries deciding to take a mid season break.
With the reliability of a one horse race, skipper Morris lost the toss and Bridgend were asked to bat. Overnight rain and a smattering of grass cover, left the wicket susceptible to variable bounce and movement off the seam.
This was used to full advantage when home skipper John Berry opened up the attack. His spell of 15 overs, 5 for 39 was extremely impressive, removing key batsmen Grant Humphries (24) and in form Ali Dalton.
Bridgend stuttered to 46 for 4 in the 17th over with runs being increasingly hard to come by. However three vital partnerships followed with sensible Les Cutter at the heart of them all.
Firstly a partnership of 27 with Chris Bushell (18), then 44 with Morgan Evans (15) and finally 35 with skipper Stuart Morris (15 not out) ensured that Bridgend made a reasonable 158 all out in difficult conditions. Cutter played beautifully, rotating the strike, turning 1’s into 2’s and hitting the bad ball with aplomb. His innings of 55 was cruelly cut short by an apparent change in the law book whereby you can now be given out one hand one bounce. The fielders and umpires were not sure if the ball had carried to cover, but upon weighing up the evidence the umpire inexplicable raised the finger and gave leg spinner Sharma his fourth wicket
Although a below par score, 158 was certainly a competitive total as the cloud cover grew thicker. Despite a spirited opening partnership of 26, 158 turned from a below par into a comfortable 82 run match winning total.
None of the home batsmen looked comfortable against the excellent Adam Weaver. Weaver is undoubtedly developing into one of the finest young fast bowlers in league cricket, and his figures of 7 for 34 were a just reward for some consistently good bowling performances all season. The Rogerstone batsmen were unable to deal with the pace, bounce and movement that Weaver extracted from a lively pitch.
There was no let up for the batsmen at the other end either, with the fiery Ali Dalton also returning good figures of 3 for 40, including the key wickets of H. Berry and A. Khan.
Some excellent catches behind the stumps from wicket keeper Richard Morgan rounded off a thoroughly impressive bowling and fielding display and surmounted in a well deserved victory as Rogerstone were all out in the 27th over for 76.
Bridgend now look forward to the visit of close rivals Newport Fugitives, who narrowly beat the Town in a close encounter at the start of May.
Come on the Town!!
First XI scribe
Sat 15th July
Fugies edge close encounter
Bridgend 206-7
Newport 207-8
Another hot summer’s day saw Bridgend win the toss and elect to bat. Despite a good wicket and a strong batting line up, Bridgend struggled early on against the bowling of Fugies pacemen Bev Price (1 for 36 off 15 overs) and Gareth Thomas (2 for 68). With Humphries and Keen back in the pavilion without troubling the scorers, it was left to Ali Dalton and Max Brown (22) to repair the early damage with an excellent partnership of 79.
Not for the first time this season Dalton looked in exquisite form, making a chanceless hundred. In fact when he was run out for 116, it was fair to say that was the only way the visitors where ever likely to get him.
Dalton was well supported by sensible Les Cutter (45) and a good total was on the cards. But some tight death bowling meant that the innings closed on 206 for 7.
The Newport reply mirrored the Bridgend innings. Weaver and Mabbs (1 for 33) were unplayable and put the Newport batsmen right behind the clock. Both passed the bat at will but the Fugies batsmen managed to survive a number of appeals for LBW and avoiding nicking anything to the keeper.
Gareth Davies (35) and Richard Jones set about chasing the home side’s total, but with still 11 needed Jones inexplicable missed a straight one and was bowled for 78 by Les Cutter (3 for 31).
11 off two overs became 5 off one. Young Adam Weaver was left with the task of bowling the last over and looked to have done the job. His first four deliveries passed the bat at breakneck speed. However the fifth ball of the over incredibly found its way over the ropes and the Fugies reached their target with one ball to spare. This was extremely hard luck on Weaver who had bowled beautifully and certainly didn’t deserve his end figures of 1-48.
Other wicket takers were Darren Lingley (2 for 26), and St John Towell (1 for 40)
Town now need to get things back on track quickly at Malpas next week if they hope to stay in the promotion chase.
First XI scribe
Sat 22nd July
Weaver causes mayhem on Malpas minefield
Malpas 161
Bridgend 162-5
A hot sunny day greeted the Town as they travelled to Malpas for a crucial game against the league’s bottom placed club. Over the years Malpas have been a thorn in the Bridgend side, and the visitors were anxious to from 70 for 6 to 139 for 7. However, a regular fall of wickets, mainly due to the Malpas batsmen committing suicide, saw the home sides innings finish in the 47th over whent hey were all out for 161.
Darren Lingley ended up with 3 for 26 and pacemen St.John Towell 1 for 41 from his 13 overs. Bridgend once again backed up this good bowling with some excellent catches, wicket keeper Allen ending up with three catches and a stumping.
With the wicket proving extremely difficult to score runs on, there was no doubt 161 would be a challenging total.
The Bridgend reply started in good fashion before prolific run getter Grant Humphries fell for 12 to an outstanding catch at cover. Despite some glorious shots for four Dalton soon followed when he received a horror ball that spat off a length and ballooned to the keeper. However, Ian Keen held things together with a fine 42 supported well by Chris Bushell (14) and sensible Les Cutter.
Now run chase is ever straight forward where Birdgend are concerned, and a quick fall of wickets saw Bridgend drop to 106 for 5 in the 28th over. But the Town should not have worried as St.John Towell (35 not out) and Daniel Allen (16 not out) saw them home with plenty to spare. The unbroken partnership of 56, rounded off an excellent day for Towell and the new young starlet Allen.
Town now have a must win game against second place Miskin next Saturday to revive any chances of promotion.
Come On the Town!
First XI scribe
Sat 26th August
Town clean up season with home win against Hoovers
Hoovers 185,
Bridgend 186-8
Bridgend Town 1st XI ensured that they remained unbeaten in August with a narrow victory over Hoovers Sports on the last day of the league campaign for 2006.
The win rounded off an extremely satisfactory season which has seen the Town finish in 3rd place behind Miskin and Sully Centurions.
Heavy overnight rain had left theNewbridge Fields wicket extremely wet and the toss was once again crucial. Since getting married, the skipper hasn’t failed to call correctly and asked the visitors to bat.
With Dominic Mabbs stuck in traffic and nursing a hefty hangover, Alistair Dalton (3-52), opened the bowling with the young express train Adam Weaver (1-34).
The Hoovers batsmen showed some staunch defence and wickets were not easy to come by, despite numerous balls beating the bat. After a change of ends, the fiery Dalton managed to unlock the defence removing the top three, including skipper Simon Davies (25) in a hostile 15 over spell. It is fair to say that most of the Hoovers batsmen looked like they were in a hurry playing a number of flamboyant strokes, with Derek Davies (36) and Wayne Davies (35) being the most effective.
The fielding and bowling from the homeside was something of a mixed bag. In between some excellent catches from Dickie Morgan, Les Cutter, St.John Towell and two from debutant James Townley, there were a number of sloppy fielding mistakes and loose deliveries that allowed Hoovers to reach 185 all out in the 49th over. Townley capped an excellent fielding display with a crucial run out of Hoovers stalwart Ronnie Walton.
With the wicket tearing up and drying out, there was no doubt that this total would prove extremely difficult to chase down and the visitors were the happier of the two sides during the tea interval.
This seemed justified as the Bridgend openers found no change from the father and son Walton combination. Dad, Ron bowling his 15 overs for 35, and son Scott bowling 15 equally impressive overs taking 2 for 38, including the removal of danger men Dalton and Humphries (34).
When Ian Keen was 4th out for 21, Bridgend still needed a further 86 from the 14 overs remaining. Not for the first time this season, sensible Les led the recovery scoring a fine 32, despite sustaining an injured groin while bowling during the Hoovers innings. He was well supported by some lusty blows from St.John Towell (19).
With 67 still required from the last ten overs and the Town with six batsmen back in the pavilion, things were looking tight. However they shouldn’t have worried, as Richard Morgan (30) found some form with the bat, and skipper Stuart Morris (26 not out) added 54 for the seventh wicket in double quick time. When Morgan was out with just 2 runs required it was left to Morris and Weaver to finish the job off with three balls to spare.
Once again the Town showed the kind of team spirit and backbone that has been present all season.
First XI scribe
Sat 19th August
Oh Town do love to be beside the seaside!
Barry 128
Bridgend 129-1
With the season rapidly coming to a close and Bridgend’s chances of promotion as slim as skipper Morris’ waistline, Bridgend played their final away game at Barry. This is always a popular away game, increasingly so this year due to the beach volleyball tournament taking place just 200 metres away, and Richard Morgan fancying himself as a bit of a player!
The weather forecast was grim and the overhead conditions suggested that chances of completed a game were even slimmer than promotion. Overnight rain plus overhead conditions equals skipper must win the toss. For once Morris called correctly and asked the home team to bat.
This decision seemed justified as none of the dangerous Barry top order made an impact. Once again young paceman Adam Weaver (4-35) stole the show with another hostile spell of fast bowling. Skater was well backed up by Dominic Mabbs, who returning from injury was hoping that the skipper would ease him back in to it. His 14 over spell of 3 for 22, proved he was certainly fit again and in fact confirmed suspicions that there had been nothing wrong with him for the past two weeks and his injury was just an excuse to go and spend some time carrying out his second favourite past time of reviewing high quality restaurants.
The Barry innings ended in the 50th over, all out for 128, when 16 year old Nick Baker foolishly attempted a reverse sweep, having played stylishly for a fine 58. After a slow difficult start against Mabbs and Weaver, who forgot they were playing cricket and thought they were working on a photo shoot, Baker cut loose with his half century including eight boundaries.
Sensible Les Cutter (2 for 30) and Darren Lingley (1-40), playing his last game of the season, were the other wicket takers.
The last 15 overs of the Barry innings was played in light drizzle, but Bridgend hoped that this would clear up long enough for them to make an assault on a low total.
An assault it was, with the prolific Grant Humphries once again murdering the opposition bowling. His 92 not out, meant that Bridgend finished the job inside 20 overs and he was well supported by Ian Keen (14) and Alistair Dalton (22 not out).
With just a home game against Hoovers and the all important 1st team sprint off left next week, Bridgend have consolidated 3rd position which has been a thoroughly satisfactory return to division one cricket.
First XI scribe
Sat 12th August
Dalton and Humphries get the runs as Town beat Ponty
Bridgend 214
Pontypridd 143
Despite carding a sound 71-run victory over Pontypridd, it looks as if Bridgend Town are going to come up just short in a promotion bid in the Thomas Carroll South Wales League Division One.
Town were hoping for a victory by Newport Fugitives over Miskin Manor last Saturday, but it wasn't to be. However, they can reflect on a grand season under Stuart Morris, and a third-place finish would form a notable achievement during a first season back at this level.
Bridgend's two leading batsman - Grant Humphries and Alistair Dalton - were both in prime form against the Ynysangharad Park side. Humphries contributed a flagship 66, containing a dozen boundaries, while Dalton punched six fours and a six during his attractive 56.
Towards the end of the innings dashing Chris Bushell smashed 26, taking a cue off big-hitting wizard St John Towell (28). The Town innings ground to a halt on 214 during the final over with Ponty captain Martin Oliver (4-53) returning the best bowling figures.
But when Ponty responded they soon hit trouble. And not for a first time this season it was young Adam Weaver and sensible Les Cutter who wreaked havoc. Cutter kept the ball on the spot in capturing 4-45 off 11 overs while Weaver once more fitted the bill in taking 2-32 off 10 quick overs.
But in the end the more subtle skills of Jack Lingley (2-23) saw the back of Ponty for 143in the 42nd over.
However, proceedings were brought to a premature closure on the back of a remarkable Cutter catch, twisting backwards to account for last man Lee Parry.
Top score during the Ponty knock was wicket-keeper Gary Owen (21) while star stumper Dicky Morgan clutched two catches and a shock stumping.
Sat 5th August
Bridgend still in the shout for promotion
Radyr 96
Bridgend 98-3
Bridgend Town maintained a late promotion challenge in the Thomas, Carroll South Wales League Division One on the strength of a comfortable seven-wicket victory.
The demise of Newport Fugitives threw the Newbridge Fields side a lifeline but they still face a formidable task if they are to pip Miskin Manor for the runners-up spot behind all-conquering Sully Centurions.
The Cardiff side were without top bat Howard Stone and it showed as their innings struggled from the outset against pacemen Adam Weaver and Dominic Mabbs.
Once again, young Weaver caused widespread panic in opposition ranks, and his latest act of destruction ended up in figures of 9.1-2-26-3.
That laid the foundation of Town's latest success but senior professional St John Towell was also among the wickets.
The former rugby star with both UWIC and Maesteg tore in to return 14-3-49-4, and he was responsible for ripping out the middle-order men.
Sensible bowling by Les Cutter, who returned 7-0-14-3, accounted for the rabbits as Radyr were all back in the hutch for 96 off just 32 overs.
The only home batsman to escape the carnage for any length of time was last man John Corden, who swished merrily and got 22.
There were five ducks on the Radyr card while, for once, stumper Dicky Morgan wasn't a sitting duck and gloved three smart catches.
Once more rising star Ian Keen, son of Town icon John, opened the innings and looked the part in getting an eye-catching 35 as the openers went about their business with relish.
He saw Chris Bushell go for six but it was then the turn of ageless Alistair Dalton to again roll back the years.
Dalton hit a vintage 48 (eight boundaries) and was there when the end came on 98-3 at the end of the 23rd over.
Sat 6th May
First home win of the season for the town
Bridgend 228-9
Rogerstone 191
With the forecast of showers and overnight rain, Rogerstone won the toss, did the sensible thing and elected to field. Bridgend got off to a great start putting 71 for the first wicket. Grant Humphries (70) and Peter ‘the wall’ Stanton (22). However, Rogerstone came right back into, due to a mixture of poor umpiring decisions and even worse shot selections.
At 116 for 6, with leg-spinner Sharma (4-42) doing most of the damage for Rogerstone, Bridgend were facing an uphill task. A partnership of 69 between Sensible Les Cutter (36) and the trim looking skipper Stuart Morris (34) saw Bridgend regain some of their earlier advantage. During this partnership Les became the first of many to gain an injury, pulling a muscle in his arse when turning for the second run.
The home sides advantage was enforced further with a quick fire 33 (red) from Adam Weaver (pulled groin) and a straight drive ‘shot of the day’ from Dominic Mabbs (retired knackered – and I have been really ill all week) to gain maximum batting points for the home side. Bridgend closing on 228 for 9.
Rogerstone made an equally good start in reply and were well placed at 95 for 1, with Andrew Harries (48) and skipper Gary Williams (41). However, wickets then started to tumble and only Sharma with 49 gave any resistance, Rogerstone closing on 191 all out, Bridgend winning by 37 runs and taking maximum points from the game.
Although as they say a win is a win, the fielding of the home team left a lot to be desired and surely they must pick things up before the visit to Newport Fugitives next Saturday.
St John Towell (pulled groin) with 4 for 57, and Darren 'Jack' Lingley (DSL Enterprises, kick boxer for seventeen years and friend to the stars) with 4 for 38, were the chief destroyers for Bridgend.
I am back!!
First XI scribe.