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1st
XI
2nd
XI
On
a beautiful summer’s day in Caerleon, the historic struggles staged at
the Roman Amphitheatre 100 yards away were swapped for the more prosaic
battle between two sides struggling towards the bottom of the League’s
2nd Division. On
winning the toss, Alan Hughes had no hesitation in opting to bat.
The large playing area, a rather two-paced pitch and a brittle
top order meant that the desired glut of runs did not materialise.
Instead, it was down to opener Stephen Thomas to stick around
until the final over of the innings, when he was last man out for 77, to
ensure that Llantwit reached a presentable 160 all out.
Only Alan Hughes himself and Ross Williams, both in the lower
half of the order, gave much-needed support at the other end.
Caerleon’s
reply was itself rather tentative, with three early wickets for Ross
Williams followed by three more for Steve John in their middle order.
The target was being whittled down, but at 130 for 8 with six
overs to go, the match should have been under control for Llantwit’s
bowlers. However, the killer
instinct once more proved elusive, and the home team got the winning
runs in the penultimate over without losing a further wicket.
Top culinary marks for the Caerleon club chef though – the most
sumptuous of teas, and a free after-match supper, make it the choice
venue on the circuit for the food that is offered.
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