Palmer confirms his value to 'Tish (From Western Telegraph)

Palmer confirms his value to 'Tish

St Ishmaels (140 for 6) beat Hook (138 all out) Umpires: Dave Loosemore and Arthur Brady Scorers: Pat Williams and Joy James

A solid innings of 45 by Andrew Palmer confirmed the young all-rounder's value to St Ishmaels as they beat Hook to keep in the top half of the league table, while leaving Hook to still struggle in the basement battle that will brew up in the next three weeks. Hook were asked to bat first but only No 4 Keith James (45) and No 9 Andrew Thomas (48) ever looked settled - and their final tally of 138 runs was hardly likely to trouble a Tish batting side on form.

Pace bowlers Kristan Bennett and Jonathan Pawlett both struck early for Tish as Hook were reduced to 10 for 2 as openers Matthew Rowlands and Mick Haltam departed, followed by Jamie Phelps, Gary Martin, Dave Petrie and Matthew Holder to leave Hook even worse off at 42 for 6.

Keith James looked in good form at the other end, however, with four boundaries in his carefully compiled 45 before he became one of Steve Williams' victims in a 3 for 32 haul after he and Thomas had added 79 runs for the eighth wicket.

Thomas fell two runs short of a deserved half century, with four fours and a six to his credit before he was bowled by Andrew Williams, who supported his brother with a 2 for 17 haul as the sixth bowler tried by Tish.

Hook hopes of making early inroads into the Tish batting were dented as Steve Williams and Peter Bradshaw put on 35 before thee latter departed for 19, bowled by Holder, who also removed Jonathan Pawlett in his 2 for 41 spell.

Gary Martin also claimed 2 for 30 but Palmer looked a good batsman with his 45 until he fell to Wayne Griffiths with the aid of a Gary Martin catch.

Julian Green also grabbed a wicket but Kristan Bennett and Adam Davies were still there as Tish reached their target in only 32 overs - and left Hook with something still to do at the foot of the table!

The Tish match ball was sponsored by Steve Evans of Evans Butchers, Milford Haven, with teas provided by Sarah Thomas, Pat and Paula Williams.