Promotion race hots up as leaders crash again

A sparkling innings of 63 by opening bat Jonathan Arundel helped Llanrhian gain a comfortable win over section leaders Lamphey, who elected to bat first, despite the absence of top run-gatherer Daniel Sutton.

It was a positive decision which back-fired because Lamphey slumped to 27 for 3 and then 68 for 6 as home captain David Hamilton grabbed 3 for 30 and Tony Kitchell 3 for 31.

Hywel Gibbs (20) and Mark Yea (19) were the pick of the Lamphey batsmen but the slow left-arm stuff of Gareth Davies earned him impressive figures of 4 for 27 as Lamphey could only muster 102 in 32.2 overs.

There was hope for Lamphey as Greg England had Tim Stirling caught behind by Yea for a duck but Arundel was soon into his stylish stride with ten boundaries and a six as Chris Couzens helped him add 36 before the latter fell to Hywel Gibbs' off-spin.

'Cadfael' Davies showed he could bat as well as bowl with 19 not out and Llanrhian reached their target comfortably for three wickets in only 19.1 overs - with Lamphey dropping out of the top two spots in the section as a result.

Before the match, both teams observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect to the late Mr Jack Davies, a great stalwart of Llanrhian - and sympathy is extended to his son Alun at his sad loss.

Burton (165 for 7) lost to Neyland (169 for 3) Umpires: Phillip Marsden and Peter Perry Scorer: Stuart Sharp

Paul Murray helped steer Neyland into real promotion contention as the talented 16-year-old scored a scintillating 93 in helping his team gain a vital seven-wicket success over their neighbours at Oatfield Park.

Murray followed up a match-winning performance against the same team in the Harrison- Allen Bowl with 15 boundaries and a six as he shared an opening stand of 73 with Dave Haynes (27) that set them well on the way to their target of 166 to win.

Burton had useful knocks by James Scale (38) and Oliver Sheldrake (24) before a late unbeaten 34 by Phil Griffiths, making a welcome return after a period of inaction, included two big sixes.

Ian Charles was his usual model of accuracy for Neyland and there were good bowling performances from Peter Burton (2 for 33) and Greg Miller (more expensive but with a 3 for 51 analysis.)

Neyland soon made light work of a challenging score as Murray looked sharp and Haynes cleverly dropped anchor - and such was their determination to succeed that they reached their tally in only 35.2 overs, Murray just missing out on a deserved century as he was one of Johnnie Griffiths' two late victims.

Burton were sponsored by Firwood Homes of Neyland. Saundersfoot (164 for 7) beat Haverfordwest 2nds (163 for 8) Umpires: Hilliard Davies and Richard Merriman Scorer: Ros Phillips

Saundersfoot maintained a firm interest in promotion with an expected win over Haverfordwest Seconds - but it was a closer affair than expected as The Town Stiffs pushed them all the way until The Seasiders edged home with only two balls of an entertaining match to spare.

Richard James (31) and Danny Potter (34) provided the early impetus for Haverfordwest before Steve Price (37) and Richard Davies (25 not out) helped them to 163 for 8 against useful bowling by Chris Parker (4 for 27) and Dickie Parcell.

Ian Poole departed early to a fine Mike Hooper catch behind the wicket off Alex Kemp but Steve Cook and Paul Mansbridge put on 70 runs before Mansbridge departed for 34 as one of Micky Phillips' two victims.

Danny Caine also chipped in with a speedy 29 but when Cook was out for 74 (nine fours) a little panic set in and the Seasiders maintained their charge towards promotion with just two balls remaining of a nervy finale.

Johnston (149 all out) lost to Maenclochog (152 for 6) Umpires: Tony Scourfield and Fred Hatton Scorers: Bryan Morgan and Dai Williams

Maenclochog made sure of avoiding the 'dreaded drop' into division three at the expense of rivals Johnston and Stackpole, with Paul Bowen maintaining his excellent run of form with 62 not out, including nine fours and a six.

But the Mountain men received something of a latte shock as Johnston opening bat Gary Stephens trundled his left-arm spinners to such good effect that he finished up with 3 for 0 from just one over, perhaps leaving skipper Steve Jenkins to rue the fact that he hasn't used 'Sam' more often.

Johnston's total owed much to Mike Bull (27) and Matthew Stephens (26) as Dai Jenkins grabbed 3 for 9 in nine overs, and Rupert Sykes supported with 2 for 31.

Richard James bowled well for Johnston but Mike Howe and Rob Nicholas gave Maenclochog a steady start before Aled Davies rapped 46 and Bowen took charge to such an extent that at 149 for 3 the game was almost won.

But then Stephens trapped Jamie Bohata first ball, had Hedd Davies caught at mid wicket and Rupert Sykes stepped on his wicket!

It was, however, too little, too late, for the Glebelands Gang but their evening was certainly lightened by Mr Stephens' talk of his rediscovered bowling prowess! The Johnston match ball was sponsored by Mr Elwyn Raymond.

Carew 2nds (137 for 9) drew with Stackpole (187 for 4) Umpires: Glyn Pawlett and Arthur Brady Scorer: Sue Skeels

Stackpole came within a whisker of snatching a surprise win against Carew Seconds that would have kept alive their hopes of avoiding the big drop - but a good 55 by Martin Scourfield (including three fours and two sixes) staved off their hopes as Carew held on gamely for the draw.

Leading the way for Stackpole was talented teenager Phil Stephens, who carried his bat for 74 runs (six fours). He supported well in an opening stand of 75 with Jonathan Williams (43) and although Stackpole then lost three wickets for a single he found another willing ally in Richard McKay (three sixes in his 39).

Thirty extras helped Stackpole to 187 for 4 wickets and after tea Carew were soon in trouble as Anthony Canton grabbed 3 for 8 in ten pacy overs. Matthew Skeels also supported well with 3 for 32 but Scourfield was joined by Ross Helmich (30) in saving the game alongside skipper Ceri Davies' little unbeaten cameo at the end.