Match Reports
Sat 30th August
Town take Champions all the way
Bridgend 81
Sully 82-6
After some of the worst weather in August for many seasons, Bridgend first eleven finally made it onto the field to face reigning champions Sully Centurions.
With constant rain during the preceding week, the Newbridge Field ground was wet and soft to say the least. But as a result of Bridgend’s current league position they had no choice but to play.
The toss would prove to be vital and Sully skipper Ryan Sylvester called correctly and asked Town to bat. At 7 for 3 this clearly was the correct call as Bridgend struggled against Sylvester (10 overs for 6 runs) and former Glamorgan cricketer Andrew Davies (3 for 19).
A short respite came as Chris Bushell (12) and Alistair Dalton steadied the ship before Jamie Sylvester (4 for 25) came on and managed to nip both out.
StJohn Towell (15) and skipper Stuart Morris attempted to rebuild the innings but with wickets falling at regular intervals the Town were finally all out for 81 with Morris left undefeated on 19.
With the sun breaking through the Bridgend wicket started to dry out and certainly made life a lot easier for the Sully batsmen.
An opening stand of 40 between Ryan (19) and Jamie (12) Sylvester set the platform for the Sully run chase. However there was a slight wobble as Sully had no answer to an excellent spell of off spin bowling from Mike O’Shea at the town end.
O’Shea took all six wickets finishing with excellent figures of (6 for 25), and was well supported by Darren Lingley.
Although this defeat probably means the drop for the Town they look forward to finishing the season away at St. Fagans next Saturday.
A spirited performance in difficult conditions and although this may seem like the end, there is plenty to build on for next season – come on the town!
First XI scribe.
Sat 2nd August
Town get tied up against Usk
Usk 198-7
Bridgend 198-7
Due to heavy traffic Usk were late and as stated in the rules, Town were awarded the toss and duly elected to field.
This proved to be a good decision as Usk were quickly in trouble at nought for two when Adam Weaver (2 for 27) removed dangerman Iain Clayton and then some sharp shooting from Ali Dalton saw Bapusha run out.
Usk’s troubles were further confounded when Dalton (1 for 32) found the edge of promising youngster Ollie James, with skipper Morris taking a smart catch at first slip.
This left Usk reeling at 26 for 3 but the key man for the visitors, Mike Jones was still at the crease.
Jones, along with skipper Perrett (22) set about the rebuilding work which became a wonderful platform for an assault on the home attack. Their partnership of 112 in 26 overs clearly turned the advantage right back in Usk’s favour.
The English qualified kiwi was magnificent, pouncing on anything that was off line, pulling and driving with ferocity. He saw the innings through finishing on an excellent 119 not out which certainly took the wind out of the home side’s sails. Usk closed on 198 for 7.
There were some brief periods of joy for the Town, Jamie Russell picking up 2 wickets at the death and another great fielding display from Dalton, forcing his second run out of the day and the fourth in the last two games.
Another plus point was the return of star stumper Dickie Morgan who claimed two smart catches behind the stumps.
Bridgend set about the reply with great skill and effort, producing a solid opening partnership of 100 before Grant Humphries was unluckily adjudged leg before for 45.
Dalton (37) joined Mike O’Shea and the two seemed in total control forming a partnership of 67 before a second LBW decision went against the Town and O’Shea was sent packing for an excellent 68.
Skipper Morris joined Dalton and the two took the town to the brink of victory before Morris played a rash shot and found his middle stump uprooted.
However with seven wickets in hand and eight runs required from the last 12 balls, Town were still clear favourites to win.
Usk opening bowler Owen Watkins bowled a great penultimate over which saw the home side then require 4 off the final over.
For the second time in the day, Mike Jones proved to be the thorn in the Town’s side, bowling an exquisite last over which conceded only three runs and left the teams locked on 198 for 7.
Although it was clearly one that got away, the average has improved and this is definitely something to build on against a top four side – come on the town!
First XI scribe.
Sat 26th July
Bradley back to sink Bridgend
Pentyrch 233-9
Bridgend 78
Alarm bells are now starting to ring for the 1st XI who are now bottom of the Premier League following a 155 run defeat by Pentyrch at Newbridge Fields on Saturday.
Ali Dalton, deputising for MIA skipper Stuey Morris, won the toss and inserted the visitors.
After being dropped first ball, former Town player Bradley Wadlan went on to get a valuable 50, helping Pentyrch reach 233-9 from their 50 overs, Other contributions for the away side coming from Dave Goodway (34) and former England international Alex Wharf (34).
Adam Weaver once again proved to be the most economical of the Town bowlers taking 1-31 from his 10 overs whilst Huw Kinsella took 3-52.
After tea, Wadlan proved a real pain in the neck for Bridgend as he took 4-17 off 6.1 overs, Peter Grossett had 3-13 and Greg Holmes 2-18 as the home side slumped to 78 all out. Grant Humphries (14) and Jamie Russel (14) top scoring for Bridgend.
Sat 19th July
Tondu gain revenge in local derby
Bridgend 182-5
Tondu 184-4
For perhaps one of the most eagerly awaited fixtures of the season, Bridgend made the short trip to Bryn Road to take on local rivals Tondu.
Both sides were desperate for a win after a couple of poor performances during the previous few weeks, so Tondu were delighted when they won the toss and elected to bowl.
Bridgend were without key personnel in the form of Glamorgan star, Michael O’Shea and Alistair Dalton, while star stumper Dickie Morgan remains sidelined.
With a bit of a reshuffle in the batting order, first blood went to Tondu’s Alex Jones when he removed Grant Humphries in the third over. Max Brown (47) was joined by skipper Stuart Morris (28) and the two rebuilt the Bridgend innings despite some excellent swing bowling from Jones (1 for 22 off 10 overs) and some disciplined seam bowling from Tondu stalwart Brian Thomas.
Brown and Morris batted for an hour and half, compiling a partnership of 85 and taking the score to 94 in the 28th over. However from a position of strength, two quick wickets brought Tondu straight back into the game.
First Morris was removed by Matthew Morgan (2 for 33) when he top edged a pull shot to keeper Ed Hopkins, while Brown was unfortunate to be adjudged leg before wicket off the bowling of Jon Bussey (1 for 15).
Huw Kinsella (32 not out) keen to impress on his return to Bryn Road and StJohn Towell (27) forged a solid partnership of 41 to help Town to a respectable 183 for 5 off their 50 overs.
Although this was not a mammoth total, Town were still confident of defending it as long as they managed some early breakthroughs.
Adam Weaver once again spearheaded the Bridgend attack, removing dangerman Wayne Butler in the 9th over with the score on 14 and he was well support by Kinsella at the pavilion end.
However, Ed Hopkins once again proved to be a thorn in the Bridgend side with a fine 62.
Hopkins along with Matthew Close (44) settled any nerves the home side may have had with a fine partnership of 80 in 20 overs. When Close was finally removed by Lingely via a catch by Towell in the deep, Glamorgan’s Alex Jones (34) joined Hopkins and increased the intensity on the Tondu run chase.
Sharp running between the wickets and some clean hitting by both players took Tondu to the brink before Jones was acrobatically caught by Jamie Russell off the bowling of his uncle sensible Les Cutter.
Russell’s fielding was certainly a plus point for the visitors and he is clearly going to be an important player in the future for Bridgend after bowling six good overs.
Hopkins was finally removed by Towell and it was left to Matthew Morgan to steer the home side to victory with 6 wickets in hand and 4 overs to spare.
A spirited performance that must be built upon for the next 6 weeks if we are to maintain premier league cricket at Newbridge Fields – come on the Town!
First XI scribe.
Sat 12th July
Town thrashed by bogey side Sudbrook
Bridgend 112
Sudbrook 113-3
Despite torrential rain during the week, Saturday brought a drying a wind and some patchy sunshine. As a result Newbridge Fields was set fair for the visit of high flying Sudbrook.
Bridgend won the toss and elected to bat on what seemed to be a slow but reasonably true wicket. This didn’t appear to be the worst decision as although Town lost inform batsman Max Brown early, Ali Dalton and Michael O’Shea started the rebuilding process with a nice partnership of 30 before O’Shea miss timed one and was out for 17.
This opened up an end for the visitors and they duly attacked. Only Ali Dalton (18), sensible Les Cutter (28) and Huw Kinsella (12) offered any resistance to some fine bowling from Chris Ashling (1 for 17), Rob Thorn (2 for 16), Jonathan Lewis (3 for 15), Dean Wallace (2 for 19) and Mike Shaw (2 for 18).
Bridgend were finally out for a disappointing 112.
When Sudbrook went in they made a far better fist of things, despite having an early wobble when Town reduced them to 21 for 2. However unlike the Sully game a fortnight earlier, Town couldn’t get any further wickets as a solid partnership of 52 for the third wicket between Rob Voke (18) and Jonathan Lewis settled any Sudbrook nerves.
Lewis completed an excellent days’ work finishing on 38 not out to see Sudbrook home in the 36th over.
Although all of the Bridgend bowlers bowled with a great spirit, the final total was never going to be enough. Adam Weaver was once again the pick of the home attack with 1 for 15 from 9 overs, while O’Shea and Huw Kinsella picked up the other wickets.
Just need to forget this one and start the second half of the season next week – come on the Town!
First XI scribe.
Sat 28th June
Whirlwind Weaver demolishes Sully
Bridgend 121
Sully 76
The 1st XI pulled of their second (and biggest) win of the season against a shell shocked Sully on Saturday.
As the Western Mail put it; "On a day of surprises in the Premier Division of the Thomas, Carroll South Wales Cricket League, none came bigger than Bridgend Town’s victory at Sully."
Town arrived at Sully without skipper Stu Morris and leading run scorer Max Brown, hoping to continue their recent run of good form. Reigning champions Sully on the other hand were at full strength and looking to bounce back after a rare league defeat last week to Penarth.
There was no hint of the shock to come as Bridgend, who had elected to bat, were bowled out for only 121.
Pre match music from the home dressing room of “Eye of the Tiger” unsettled the visitors batting and the Town were soon in big trouble at 38 – 6. Ryan Sylvester with an excellent opening spell of 4 for 4 off his 10 overs.
St John Towell and Adam Weaver however sparked a little life in to the contest and started a fight back. Weaver contributing 18 valuable runs as the big man Towell went about knocking the Sully bowlers to all parts. Good support also given by DS Lingley with a notable six hit off the experienced J P Sylvester. Towell was eventually left stranded on 47 not out in what was undoubtedly one of the most important knocks of the decade for the town and lifted the total to a more respectable 121 all out.
But it all turned sour for the champions and runaway leaders as the Bridgend bowlers got stuck into them from the off.
With a little momentum Town took to the field knowing that early wickets were essential if a game was going to be made of it and Adam Weaver provided them.
In a fiery and accurate spell of fast bowling Weaver destroyed the Sully batting line up claiming in his first four overs figures of 5 for 11 removing danger men Jamie Sylvester, Ryan Sylvester and Lloyd Smith within 15 balls and finished with season best figures of 5 for 28. The home side were totally demoralised and there was no way the Town were going to let them claw back in to it.
Mike O’Shea with 3 – 23, a run out by Les Cutter and the final wicket for Ali Dalton ensured Sully were dismissed for just 76 runs in 24 overs, with Huw Williams making the top score of 20.
There were scenes of delight on completing one of the most significant victories in recent club history. With a new found confidence Bridgend now believe that they can beat anyone on their day and will be hoping to build on this result as the seasons eases towards the halfway point.
The win lifts the 1st XI out of the relegation zone and they face another tough match against second place St Fagans on Saturday at Newbridge Fields.
Come on Town!!
Sat 14th June
Town pile on the runs at Panteg as Brown leads the way
Bridgend 281-4
Panteg 240-8
A visit to Panteg is always a pleasant experience for any club cricketer as it is without doubt one the nicest settings in the South Wales league.
Despite Panteg having constant problems with their ground drying out, a good wicket and a fast outfield meant that Bridgend had no hesitation in electing to bat, especially as the Panteg side included two current first class cricketers in Matthew Wood and David Harrison.
This proved to be a good decision as Max Brown and Mike O’Shea (25) compiled an excellent opening stand of 78 before O’Shea missed timed a pull to ex Glamorgan star Adam Harrison off the bowling of current Glamorgan star Matthew Wood.
Brown was then joined by Ali Dalton (37) and the two set about building a platform from which the remaining Bridgend batsmen could launch an assault. Dalton drove and cut with authority, while Brown played wonderful shots all around the wicket, punishing the Panteg bowlers with anything off line.
With Bridgend coasting it was something of a shock when Dalton was removed by Chris White (2-35) ending a fine partnership of 82.
Brown was then joined by skipper Stuart Morris and the two were keen not to let up on the Panteg attack. A partnership of 73 followed in just 10 overs, with Brown relentless in his treatment of the bowling, while Morris weighed in with his fair share of lusty blows.
Brown had no nervous nineties hitting a six and a four before pushing a single to bring up his three figures. When he eventually fell it, was for an exquisite 133 and without doubt one of the Town’s finest hundreds in recent times.
Morris was joined by a promoted Towell and the pair took the score along to 264 before the normally whippet like Morris was run out for 39.
Towell wasn’t quite finished as he smashed 4 sixes to make 30 not out off just 12 balls and the Town’s innings closed on 281 for 4.
Although undoubtedly pleased with their batting efforts, Bridgend were fully aware that their performance could easily be repeated by the first class players in the Panteg side.
So when Panteg brought up their 100 without loss after 20 overs, sidelined star stumper Richard Morgan and his son Reed, could be forgiven for showing a few signs of nerves from the boundary edge.
However they shouldn’t have worried, as not for the first time this season, spin twins Michael O’Shea (1-36) and Darren Lingley (2-38) stunted the Panteg response. First O’Shea removed Barney Worrad (46) to a fine catch by Towell in the deep, before Lingley removed Glamorgan dangerman Wood for 69, when he miss timed a sweep to Adam Weaver at backward square leg.
David Harrison continued to push on before Dalton managed to nip one through his defences to send him back to the pavilion for 43.
Lingley and Dalton continued to put the squeeze on and pressure finally took its toll, as Bridgend broke the back of the Panteg middle order with a couple of fine run outs as a result of excellent fielding from Towell and sensible Les.
Blaine Harris (27) tried in vain to get the Panteg total close but Dalton had the final say claiming two further wickets to finish with 3 for 46.
The Panteg innings closed on 240 for 8, and as a result Bridgend took the major spoils with 20 points which saw them off the bottom of the table.
With Cardiff visiting Newbridge Fields next week, Town need a repeat performance in what will be a thrilling basement battle.
Excellent performance with bat and ball, full of patience, character and quality – come on the Town!
First XI scribe.
Sat 7th June
Town get the better of Croesy in the “thriller at the fields”
Bridgend 224-8
Croesyceiliog 159-9
To say this game had everything is something of an understatement!
Bridgend welcomed old rivals Croesyceiliog to Newbridge Fields for the first time in a number of years.
Croesy holds fond memories for many of the current Bridgend crop of players, as the last time these two teams met, Bridgend won on the final day of the season and gained promotion to Division One.
It was also the same day that England beat Germany 5-1, with a Michael Owen hat trick. Forward to 2008 and Town were hopping that their very own star “Michael” would have a big day in what was a must win game for the home side.
With the weather set fair and a good wicket, skipper Morris had no hesitation in electing to bat and despite the early loss of Humphries, Bridgend were well set on 41 for 1 after 11 overs, before a torrential thunder storm hit the fields from absolutely nowhere.
Play was suspended for the best part of two hours during which time the players took an extremely early tea.
When play resumed, O’Shea (20) was quickly removed by Ali Bukhari (1 for 39), which saw Chris “snapper” Bushell (12) join Max Brown at the crease. The two formed an excellent partnership of 90 with Brown taking the starring role in compiling a wonderful 82 before fatigue and lack of oxygen got the better of him.
With still some 13 overs to go, the Town were well placed for an onslaught and the batters didn’t disappoint as sensible Les Cutter (27), Huw Kinsella (28 not out) and a late flurry from Adam Weaver (14) saw Bridgend reach a very competitive 224 for 8.
Stand in skipper Rhys Jones led the visitors attack with 4 for 48 and he was well backed up by Glamorgan’s Will Bragg (2-41)
With tea taken early the players were expecting a quick turn around. However with 20 overs lost from the game, things got extremely confusing when it came to working out the revised target. After much deliberation and a couple of calls to the league secretary, the total was finalised at 175 from 30 overs.
This was clearly going to be a competitive score and set up a thrilling afternoon for a bumper crowd that had gathered at the fields.
Town were desperate for an early breakthrough, but despite some fine bowling from Weaver an opening didn’t materialise as Jonathan Jones (42) and Acktor Baloach (25) put together a fine opening partnership of 79.
Wickets finally began to fall when Mike O’Shea (3-38) removed both openers in the space of 4 balls.
However, this played right into the hands of the visitors as Bukhari (44), who was once of Derbyshire and Middlesex and Bragg (19) set about finishing the job. Their quick fire partnership of 64 in 8 overs, had the home side reeling and Croesy were left with just 30 to get from 30 balls with 8 wickets in hand.
In what was a manic last five overs, Town showed the kind of grit, spirit and determination that had won them promotion to the premiership. First an inspired over from St.John Towell (1-4) removed Bragg with an excellent catch from Kinsella in the deep, which was followed by an equally impressive catch from sensible Les to remove dangerman Bukhari off the bowling of Weaver (2-25).
O’Shea grabbed another until it came down to the final over with Croesy requiring 16 with four wickets in hand.
The pride of Porthcawl Darren Lingley (3-17) held up his hand to bowl the final over and finished the game in style, bowling a triple wicket maiden to leave Croesy on 159 for 9.
Great performance and heaps character, lets keep it going – come on the Town!
First XI scribe.
Sat 31st May
Town sunk in the Newport sunshine
Newport 174
Bridgend 112
Heavy overnight rain, which had followed torrential downpours in the week, resulted in the Newport outfield being at saturation point. However, unlike a couple of weeks ago, the umpires deemed the ground fit for play.
Despite the wicket being wet and a rather pleasant shade of green, home skipper Nathan Millichip won the toss and elected to bat on what are traditionally good batting wickets. So while the Bridgend bowlers and fielders donned their flippers and wetsuits and took to the field, the Newport groundsman did his best to scatter the outfield with sawdust
As the bowlers run-ups were so wet, I am surprised the batsmen didn’t complain about the noise from all the squelching as they approached the crease. I am painting a picture that it was wet yet???
Understandably, neither bowler could get any rhythm and Newport got off to a flier with Mike Clayden (24) and Carwyn James (22) punishing anything off line. When Huw Kinsella (1 for 29) swapped from treading water at the deep end to paddling at the shallow end he managed to get James to sky one with Mike O’Shea taking the first of three excellent catches running in from cover.
O’Shea already has five catches this season and his fielding has been of the highest order and a wonderful example to the Bridgend team.
Bridgend slowly began to turn the tide with the introduction of O’Shea (1 for 20) and Lingley (1 for 28) coming into the attack. Despite neither taking a hat full of wickets, both bowled excellent lines and stunted the home sides batting.
Imran Hassan dogged out an unspectacular yet effective 43, while Tom Roberts scored an energetic 33.
But it was Bridgend who finished stronger of the two teams with Dalton (2 for 41) and Adam Weaver (4 for 46) that saw Newport stutter to 174 all out.
This excellent bowling performance was backed up by some fine fielding with O’Shea, Morris and sensible Les Cutter, who was behind the stumps due to Dickie Morgan breaking a few fingernails last week, taking some sharp chances.
However, with Bridgend’s batting stuttering somewhat this season, this was still expected to be a tough total to chase down, and so it proved to be.
Not for the first time this season, the Town batsmen found themselves deep in trouble at 36 for 5, with only Grant Humphries (13) getting into double figures. This was due in the main to poor shot selections and indifferent umpiring which saw key batsman Ali Dalton eventually given out caught off his front pad.
St John Towell (26) temporarily put together a charge with Huw Kinsella (12), while skipper Stuart Morris (10 not out) and Darren Lingley (11) kept the home side in the field for longer than expected. But it was still a disappointing 112 that the Town finally folded for.
Bridgend desperately need to find some batting form soon with some crucial matches coming up in the next two weeks against Croesyceiliog and Panteg.
We just have to keep going, chins and heads up lads – come on the Town!
First XI scribe.
Sat 24th May
Town avoid being blown away in basement battle
Penarth 244-5
Bridgend 170-8
It was a sunny yet horrendously windy day that saw Bridgend welcome old rivals Penarth to Newbridge Fields. Like Bridgend, Penarth were promoted to the premier league last season and have found life just as difficult.
With a period of dry weather leading up to the game, the Newbridge Fields pitch looked a good one, and Penarth skipper Nick Morgan called correctly and decided to bat.
This proved the correct decision as the openers, despite riding some luck, made life very hard for the Bridgend bowlers. The task of bowling was made even harder by having to run into a head wind of 600 miles an hour from the A48 end.
The breakthrough came when the Town’s very own travelling wilbury, Huw Kinsella (2 for 37) removed S. Bradshaw (34) and J. Hughes (49) in the space of the three overs. It was a welcome return for Kinsella who was clearly the pick of the home attack.
Penarth skipper Nick Morgan then took up the baton and compiled a very fine 74, with many accomplished strokes over the in field. Morgan was finally removed by Adam Weaver (1 for 49) when Mike O’Shea took an excellent diving catch.
Darren Lingley (2 for 39) managed to spin out another couple of wickets at the death to see the Penarth innings close on 244 for 5.
Although clearly a challenging total, this was not completely out of reach with a good wicket and a fast outfield. At tea, the Town felt confident of chasing it down although they were very aware that a good start was vital.
Unfortunately, that didn’t happen as Bridgend found themselves reeling at 38 for 4 off the bowling of Mark Frost (1 for 26) and P. Ingram (3 for 29).
Ali Dalton and sensible Les Cutter (21) started the rebuilding of the Bridgend innings with a fine partnership of 55, which was then continued when skipper Stuart Morris (28) joined Dalton.
With 120 needed off the last 16 overs and Dalton and Morris well set, Bridgend had an outside chance of grabbing victory. However it was not to be as Dalton decided to take on the bowling and was dismissed by Mark Thomas (2 for 42) for a very fine 58.
Adam Weaver (21) showed some good form with the bat adding 31 with Morris for the seventh wicket before he was stumped looking for a quick singled to the keeper off the slow bowling of A. Singh (2 for 23).
It was then left to Morris and Lingley to see out the remaining overs and hold on for the draw.
Although Penarth clearly had the best of this game there a certainly some batting positives for the Town to take on board for the remainder of the season.
Good battling lads – come on the Town!
First XI scribe.
Sat 17th May
Life continues to be tough going for the Town
Usk 235-6
Bridgend 121
After the disappointment of last weekend, things didn’t get any easier for the Town as the made the journey to Usk CC.
Usk who have consistently been one of the top 5 teams in the premiership for the past few seasons, were boosted by the presence of the local Glamorgan star Huw Waters to lead their attack.
With some overnight rain and overcast conditions, Bridgend won the toss and asked Usk to bat.
With first use of a good wicket, all of the Usk batsmen looked to play positively and it was only a fine reaction catch for Ali Dalton off the bowling of Adam Weaver (2 for 44) that got the breakthrough for the Town.
A further catch from Lingley, again off the bowling of Weaver saw, Usk resident player coach Mike Jones come to the middle. Jones anchored the Usk innings beautifully and crafted a fine 83 before being finally dismissed by sensible Les Cutter (1 for 11).
Although wickets fell at fairly regular intervals, the scoreboard always ticked over for the home side in spite of some disciplined bowling from Mabbs (0 for 36), Towell (1 for 40), Lingley (1 for 45) and Dalton (1 for 53).
At tea the home side were clearly the happier of the two teams as they finished on 235 for 6 with skipper Neil Perrett (32) and Huw Waters (27 not out) seeing them to maximum batting points.
Not for the first time this season, all of the Bridgend batsmen found it tough going and the Town were reeling at 12 for 3.
A stand of 36 between sensible Les Cutter (23) and Steven Hughes (20) started to repair some of the damage, but with the scoring rate slow, the main objective for the Town was to bat out for the draw.
However, just like last weekend, unfortunately they were unable to do this despite a rearguard 33 from skipper Stuart Morris.
Waters eventually cleaned up the Town tail to send Bridgend back for 121.
On the bowling front Usk mixed up their attack with all of them getting in the wickets, however chief destroyers with Huw Waters (2 for 11) and Justin Cook (2 for 17) who ripped out the top order.
With Penarth and Panteg both at home over the Bank Holiday weekend, these games have now become critical for the Town.
Hopefully with Mike O’Shea back in action and Huw Kinsella home after his travels to the other side of the world, Bridgend will make a good account of themselves next time out.
Keep going boys – huge couple of games next weekend!
First XI scribe.
Sat 10th May
Bridgend fail to climb table
Pentyrch 214-7
Bridgend 71
Bridgend Town failed to haul themselves from the lower reaches of the Premier Division of the Thomas, Carroll South Wales Cricket League in their clash with Pentyrch last Saturday.
Bridgend won the toss and asked the home side to bat first in a game reduced to 39 over from the normal 50.
And Pentyrch scored a combative 214 for seven, with the evergreen Steve Cotton getting their top score of 63, Gareth Gardner got 46 and former Bridgend player Bradley Wadlan 31.
Dominic Mabbs took two for 30 off eight overs for Bridgend and Adam Weaver two for 41.
Glamorgan’s Mike O’Shea departed for a single in the second over and that spelled trouble for Bridgend, who collapsed to 71 all out with extras their top scorer with 15.
Wadlan bowled superbly to take three for seven off eight overs and six maidens, while Kristian Bell had two for 10 off 5.2 overs.
Sat 3rd May
Town take the spoils in local derby
Tondu 122
Bridgend 123-6
Despite various forecasts of heavy rain and persistent showers in the week prior to Saturday, it was a bright sunny day that saw the first home game of the season for the Town’s 1st XI in the premier league.
After a disappointing start last week at Sudbrook, Bridgend welcomed local rivals Tondu C.C. to Newbridge Fields.
Tondu, who have established themselves as a premier league club over the past couple of seasons and started this time out with an excellent win over Pentyrch, were favourites before the game despite losing some key personnel over the winter.
As early season pitches tend to do a bit more than normal, the toss was vital and Bridgend were extremely relieved that Tondu called incorrectly and the Town chose to field first.
An excellent opening spell from Adam Weaver (2 for 10) and Dominic Mabbs (1 for 37) soon had Bridgend on top despite some determined batting from Ed Hopkins (30) and Jamie Williamson (31).
At the half way stage, the innings was in the balance with Tondu well placed at 72 for 2 and Bridgend desperate for a couple of wickets.
After the drinks break, the game was turned on its head when Ali Dalton (1 for 29) removed key Tondu batsman and skipper, Richard Ready.
Dalton was making full use of the conditions and got Ready to nick one behind leaving Richard Morgan to do the rest.
This was just one of a number of fine catches held by the home side, which included a stunning effort and early contender for the Kluber Cup, by St John Towell just inches from the boundary edge, to remove dangerman Jon Bussey off the bowling of Darren Lingley (2 for 12). Lingley, now the pride of Porthcawl, in partnership with Glamorgan star Mike O’Shea (3 for 16) ripped the heart out of the Tondu middle order.
O’Shea showed his true class with the ball, varying his flight and pace beautifully and it is clear that he will be a vital cog in the bowling department for Bridgend this season.
Sensible Les Cutter (1 for 13) completed the bowling line up, to leave Tondu reeling at 122 and the home side the happier of the two teams at the tea interval.
However, this total proved to be an extremely competitive one, thanks to another fine opening spell from Brian Thomas (3 for 23) and Alex Jones (1 for 19). This left Bridgend delicately placed at 42 for 4, but importantly Mike O’Shea was still at the crease.
Once again O’Shea stepped up to the mark compiling a fine 47 in difficult conditions. But when he was finally removed by Bussey (1 for 9), nerves started to jangle amongst the home support.
However they didn’t need to worry too much as skipper Stuart Morris (28 not out) and star stumper Dickie Morgan (24 not out) saw the home side to victory with an unbroken partnership of 44 leaving the Town victors by 4 wickets.
This was an excellent comeback by the Town and they have now set themselves up for a real crack at premiership cricket for the remainder of the season.
Well done boys, great result – it’s good to be back!
First XI scribe.
Sat 26th April
Bridgend get off to a disappointing start
Bridgend 106
Sudbrook 107-2
The 1st XI got off to a nightmare start away to Sudbrook in their opening South Wales Cricket Premier League match.
Asked to bat first, Bridgend suffered two early setbacks with openers Grant Humphries and Alistair Dalton both falling in the first 8 overs.
Bridgend rallied though, through Glamorgan star Mike O'Shea (49) and Max Brown (15) who added 60 for the 3rd wicket. At 82-2 after just 20 overs, Bridgend were well placed.
However Brown and O'Shea fell in quick succession, exposing the middle order. Bridgend then suffered a mighty collapse losing the next six wickets for just 24 runs to finish on 106 all out.
O'Shea who was making his debut for club, outshone all other batsmen, who fell victim to poor shot selection and some disciplined bowling, with brothers Greg (4-9) and Mike Shaw (4-19) doing all the damage for Sudbrook
Adam Weaver bowled a lovely opening spell but Bridgend's total never challenged Sudbrook. Captain Chris Archer 68*, guided the home team to a comfortable victory in the 25th over for the loss of just two wickets. One to Dalton who was aided by a smart catch from O'Shea and a first Premier League wicket for Darren Lingley.
A disappointing start to the season and certainly a wakeup call for the newly promoted 1st XI.
In what is usually a competitive affair, Tondu come to Newbridge Fields on Saturday, for a game in which neither team will want to lose.