Scott stars with debut runs

3:09pm Wednesday 18th June 2008

Neyland (212 for 7) drew with Cresselly (234 for 6).

Talented teenager Scott Arthur enjoyed a Cresselly first team debut to remember, as he compiled a smashing 81 from his berth as opening bat and shared a second wicket stand of 121 with Simon Cole.

The pair helped Cresselly to a big score of 234 for six but it is to Neyland's credit that they refused to buckle under the inevitable pressure of chasing such a massive total. They earned a very respectable draw on 212 for seven, thanks to half centuries from Paul Murray and Jeremy Charles.

Arthur had 11 fours and a six in his run tally as he joined forces with Simon Cole, who struck nine fours and two sixes in his 68 before he was caught behind by Sean Hannon off Jeremy Charles.

Charles also bowled Adam Chandler for 16 as Cresselly chased late runs.

Rhydian Rees (14), Ryan Lewis (26) and Lyn Richards (13 not out) helped build Cresselly's big score and Henry Durrant was the pick of the Neyland attack. He picked up three for 57 alongside Charles' two for 42, including the scalp of Arthur with the help of a good catch by the effervescent Patrick Hannon.

Neyland made an impressive start with Scott John and Murray sharing an opening stand of 89 before Murray was adjudged lbw to Ryan Lewis for 51 (nine fours).

John departed eight runs later having contributed 37 (five fours), bowled by Richard Harris, but Jeremy Charles clearly relished his move up the order to number three and joined skipper Andrew Miller (25) in a 56-run partnership. He struck six boundaries in his 62 before giving a return catch to Lyn Richards.

Simon Cole claimed two victims with his slow stuff and Neyland finally had to settle for a draw.