Rain halts promising game (From Western Telegraph)

Rain halts promising game

Cresselly (175 for 9) Lawrenny (123 for 6) Match abandoned Umpires: Ray Kane and Bob Flute Scorers: Dave Richards and Malcolm Thomas

There was an exciting finish in prospect in the local derby between Cresselly and Lawrenny, who were in the process of chasing a big target when persistent rain again swept in to ruin cricket in the area.

That the game went so far, however, was due to the batting talents of Cressellys Ryan Lewis, who strode to the wicket in the unusually low position of No 8 with Cresselly in trouble at 45 for 6 - and scored 73 runs from only 61 deliveries to help his side to 175 for 9.

Lewis looks like a bantam-weight boxer but bats with the power of a real heavyweight and as he found willing allies in Lyn Richards (21) and Simon Hart (12 in a stand of 69) he punched six fours and three big sixes after Rob Williams and Simon Cole had caused the early problems for the home side.

Skipper Williams, fresh from his bowling for Wales in the recent Minor Counties match, grabbed the wickets of Richard Harris, Damian and Julian Arthur and Cole claimed 2 for 24 in their 12-over stints but then Lennox Lewis arrived and changed the face of the game.

He was eventually run out seeking a second run but couldnt beat a good throw-in by Steve Lewis - and was dismissed in the 40th over, just when a century was looking a distinct possibility.

Lawrenny made a better start as James Buckle and Chris Vincent out on 34 for the first wicket but then both batsmen were joined by Simon Cole in walking back to the pavilion in the space of nine runs as Steve Boxer Jenkins claimed a wicket brace.

But then Andrew Cole (senior) and Steve Lewis came together and added 72 runs, Lewis the dominant partner as he lashed nine fours and two sixes to continue his recent good form with the bat.

They looked in top nick but then Richard Harris joined the fray with the ball and shifted both Andrew Coles on 115 - and Lyn Richards struck the vital blow when he had the belligerent Lewis caught on the boundary by Steve Jenkins.

Suddenly the pendulum had swung back in favour of Cresselly but with 15 overs to go and with 43 runs wanted it was still anyones match - and then the rain came down to halt an exciting finish.