PENARTH travelled to Newbridge Fields to face a strong looking Bridgend side, full of confidence after a commanding victory the week before.

With a changed side, Sam Docherty unsurprisingly won the toss and elected to bat in the slightly inclement weather.

Things started brightly for Penarth with Gareth Davies - continuing his good form with the bat - removing Grant Humphreys early on.

Brendon Joubert came to the wicket and played some expansive shots but the hero of the Bridgend innings was Kiwi Mike Jones as he hit a faultless 83 before being dismissed by Davies. Some late 'cultured' hitting got Bridgend to a reasonable score of 222.

Penarth's reply started poorly as Tom Sidford struck out for only 1. When Peter Docherty was rather unfortunate to be given run out with the score on 24, things started looking bleak.

Sam Docherty (26) steadied the ship but was bowled, bringing James Docherty and Richard Skone together at the wicket. A partnership of 89 followed before the former departed for 53.

At this stage, Penarth looked comfortable needing only 60 with 12 overs remaining but they lost 2 quick wickets (Skone 58, Gilliani 3) and new batsmen Rhys Morgan and Gareth Davies had to try and keep the run rate going.

This was difficult with some good bowling from Adam Weaver, Mike Jones and Andrew Davies. With 6 overs left Penarth needed 47, and things went from bad to worse, losing Davies (9) and Stevens (5) in quick succession.

Needing 33 from 3 overs, things looked bleak, but somehow Morgan got to the last over needing 11. Sims (3) was run out leaving 8 required from 3 balls with number 11 Peter Ingram on strike.

A single was pinched leaving Morgan needing 7 to win with 2 balls remaining. A 4 through extra cover was followed by a 3 minute interlude for a canine invasion. Unfortunately it wasn't to be as Morgan (32 no) could only hit a 2 to force a tie.

Bridgend 222-7 (Jones 83, Davies 3-56) Penarth 222-9 (Skone 58, Docherty 53, Morgan 32 no).

SECONDS

THE Second team couldn't continue their form without inspirational captain David Stevens. Batting first, Penarth mustered a poor 188, with only Andy Jones (69) contributing anything of note.

Bridgend looked comfortable throughout their reply, and Rob Crimp (2-24) could not stop Bridgend reaching their target for the loss of only 3 wickets.

Penarth 188 (Jones 69); Bridgend 189-3 (Crimp 2-24).

THIRDS

PENARTH'S 3rd team fared no better as they too were soundly beaten away at Brynmawr. Brynmawr amassed a mammoth 291-6 with Geraint Adlam smashing 118.

The 3rd team could only reach 234-5 in reply with S Khan (75 no) and Hissan (57) making valuable contributions.

Brynmawr 291-6 (Adlam 118); Penarth 234-5 (Khan 75 no, Hissan 57).

NB. Last week's report omitted the fact that Majid Awaan took 5 wickets.

FOURTHS

THE 4th team had a home friendly against Sully as Croesyceiliog and Girlings pulled out from the league. Matthew Birch was outstanding as usual. Commiserations to Keith James on a horrific broken ankle, we all hope he will be back fighting fit soon.