2ND X1 MATCH REPORTS JUNE
SPONSORED BY
UPALOFT, DEGANWY
SAT 5th JUNE - MYNYDD ISA v MOCHDRE
Mochdre had their fragile batting exposed once again as they were shot out for 55 by division three pacemakers Mynydd Isa, with only young opener Adam Cain, who carried his bat for a gritty 18 not-out, reaching double figures. A further 18 runs came from extras, including 11 wides, conceded by Mynydd Isa bowlers J. Cooper (3 for 23), J. Lloyd (3 for 4) and R. Wingfield (3 for 10).
The total was never enough for Mochdre's bowlers to defend and despite Steve Penk taking 3 For 14 off eight overs, helped by two smart catches by Adam Cain behind the stumps, plus a run-out, the home side reached their target in 18 overs at 56 for 4.
SAT 12th JUNE - MOCHDRE v CASTELL ALUN
Mochdre 2nd team's batting showed improvement against castell Alun 1st X1 but rather more self belief is required in the upper order if they are to pull away from the lower reaches of Division 3. Once again 17-year-old opener Adam Cain showed bags of promise and patience with an excellent 26 and the middle order was bolstered by Bob Gazeley who bludgeoned 44 in a welcome return to form. M. Arden, 2 for 15 and S. Brewman, 2 for 32 were the pick of the Castell Alun bowlers.
On an excellent home track the Mochdre total of 135 for 6 was probably 50 runs short of what was needed and their weakened bowling attack posed few problems as Castell Alun cruised past their total for the loss of just 3 wickets. P. Owen, 52, and S. Brewman, 58 not out, were the away side's batting stars whilst Graham Blythin, 2 for 33, put in a worthy spell for Mochdre.
SAT 19th JUNE - PWLLHELI v MOCHDRE
Mochdre 2nd XI had their best win of the season in a truly monumental match at Pwllheli which saw 519 runs scored as they scooped a three wicket triumph with just seven balls remaining. Batting first Pwllheli put the Mochdre bowling to the sword, led by openers Neil Williams, 104, and Andy Edwards, 56, as they surged to 258 for 4 off their 45 overs. Lofty paceman Steve Penk bowled manfully conceding 55 of 14 overs whilst Graham Blythin had success with 2 for 53 off 7. With a previous high total for the year of 135, seasoned Mochdre 2nd XI watchers would have given long odds on the team reaching the 158 needed for a point. Their performance was inspirational as makeshift opener Steve Penk set the tone, swatting a rapid 32, before the pace was picked up powerfully by Graham Blythin, 44, and Bob Gazeley whose 72 included two sixes and ten fours. Phil Patel, with a classy 44, ensured that the pace did not slacken before Alun Evans, 28 not out, finished the game with a mighty six.
SAT 26TH JUNE MOCHDRE v SHOTTON
Mochdre 2nd XI looked to be heading for certain defeat in their home fixture with promotion challengers Shotton when a fearsome electrical storm and torrential rain brought the game to a premature conclusion. Given their batting heroics the previous week Mochdre were pleased to have restricted Shotton to 161 for 5 off 45 overs, veteran Mike Estell top scoring with 39. Prominent with the ball for Mochdre were their own veteran bowling pair of seamer Steve Penk, 2 for 40 off 15, and spinner Bob Sugden, 2 for 52 off 12. Mochdre were in trouble at 94 for 7 when the storm struck. On a perfect batting track only Bob Gazeley, 31, and Steve Penk, 17, made an impression in the face of accurate Shotton bowling, Keith Evans, Mike Estell and Ollie Owen taking two wickets apiece.