2ND X1 MATCH REPORTS

MAY

Saturday 1st May

Mochdre battled to an excellant 4 wicket victory at British Steel, Shotton in another low scoring game. Skipper Neil Campion showed the way with 5 for 29 off 19 overs, well supported by Steve Penk, 2 for 3 off 16, and Graham Blythin, 2 for 5 off 4, as the Steelmen were shot out for 70 on a dampish track, only Tom Leaman, 28, offering significant resistance.

Veteran Albie Woods, opening the Mochdre reply, showed that ther is no substitute for experience, as he anchored the innings with a determined 27 before being out just 4 runs short from victory. Useful support came from Alun Evans, 19, and Bob Gazeley, 14, as Mochdre passed the Shotton total with 6 wickets down.

Saturday 22nd May

This fixture saw another tight game as Mochdre clinched a 9 run victory over Pontblyddyn in an exciting finish at Black Marsh Field. Batting first Mochdre were in real trouble on 21 for 4 before a detemined stand of 67 between Graham Blythin, 43, and Clifton Robinson, 34, ably supported by Alun Evans, 18 saw them through to a final total of 130 in the final over with Nigel neath, 5 for 31, and Ian Cowley, 3 for 34, performing well for Pontblyddyn.

Whilst a number of Pontblyddyn batsman established themselves none made a significant score as the Mochdre attack made steady inroads. Skipper Neil campion again led by example, his medium pacers snaffling 5 for 41 off 14 overs. Good support came from old and young left arm spinners with veteran Bob sugden picking up 3 for 33 off 9 and youthful Richie Totton 2 for 24 off 7 as Pontblyddyn were bowled out for 121 in just 34 overs.

Saturday 29th May

Mochdre clinched their third win out of four in a low scoring battle at Bethesda. Only two Bethesda bowlers were used as Mochdre were rattled out for 71 in 39 overs, the main damage done by Llew Jones, 8 for 27 off 19 overs, well supported by Rob Owen with 2 for 34 off 20. Bob Gazeley, 15, and Bryan Boswell,11, put on a useful 22 for the third wicket, but only no. 7 Alun evans with 10 not out offered real resistance down the order.

The clatter of falling wickets only accelerated during the Bethesda innings. Canny Mochdre skipper Neil Campion, 1 for 14 off 5, took himself out of the attack allowing comeback kid Eddie Scott to snap up 5 for 18 off 14 overs of hostile pace, and wily left arm spinner Bob Sugden to mesmeize at the other end with 4 for 7 off 9 overs as Bethesda 11's were zipped out for just 42.