Champions continue their momentum (From Western Telegraph)

Champions continue their momentum

9:30pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Sport

NEYLAND showed just why they are the best indoor league team in Wales as they picked up two more comfortable wins against Haverfordwest andNarberth.

Again, the champions were dominant as they lost just two wickets throughout the day.

The Town did manage to salvage something from their day with a good win over Narberth.

Haverfordwest (72 for 3) lost to Neyland (75 for 1) Haverfordwest lost Huw Scriven early on as he was neatly stumped by Paul Murray off the bowling on Nick Koomen for six.

But then The Town looked likely to accumulate a challenging score as Ben Field rasped a six in his 27 not out and Danny Potter stroked seven threes en route to his undefeated 27.

They stood at a healthy 49 for 1 wicket at the half way mark in the innings but then Neyland tightened up their bowling and fielding. Only 24 runs were scored in the final five overs. Sean Hannon had conceded 18 runs in his first over but bowled his second over for just a single run, as Nick Koomen claimed 1 for 12, Andrew Miller 0 for 11 and Gregg Miller 1 for 13.

A target of 73 for victory was unlikely to trouble Neyland and their innings was given terrific impetus by Paul Murray. He struck 25 not out before having to retire, from only 11 deliveries, his score including a six and a four. Gregg Miller was the perfect partner as he accumulated 27 not out, including a six, and retired after running out brother Andrew for a single as Danny Potter fielded well.

But it was to be the only alarm for Neyland as Nick Koomen (13 not out) saw them home in only 7.3 overs.

Haverfordwest (125 for 1) beat Narberth (82 all out) Haverfordwest showed their capabilities in this match as they batted first against Narberth.

They rattled up a healthy tally before restricting Narberth to 82 all out for a win by 53 runs.

Adam James opened for The Town with three fours in his 28 not out alongside Danny Potter (25 not out). Josh Hicks (20) Nigel Delaney (18 not out) and Danny Potter (10 not out) added further runs, aided and abetted by a big score of 24 from ‘Mr Extras’ which included 22 wides.

Ian Hughes batted well as he opened for Narberth, who lost Jordan Howell without scoring. Hughes retired at 25 but returned to hit a six and three fours in his 33 before he was eventually run out late on. Ben Hughes (10) and Sean Mills (13) provided some support but Nigel Delaney claimed 2 for 7 as the pick of the Haverfordwest bowlers. Ben Field also claimed a wicket.

Neyland (123 for 1) beat Narberth (88 for 5) Neyland opened their innings with Patrick Hannon and Paul Miller, but the latter was run out for only four. Patrick (25 not out) was joined by twin brother Sean (26 not out) in taking their team past the 50 mark.

Paul Murray then joined the fray at No 4 and enhanced his deserved reputation as the strongest batsman in indoor cricket as he rifled 30 not out from only 12 balls, including a six and three fours. Andrew Miller (20 not out) and Nick Koomen (8 not out) maintained the run chase so that Neyland finished their allotted ten overs on 123 for only one wicket.

Narberth lost Jordan Howell, Sean Mills and Mike Williams early in their reply and it was left to cousins Ben and Ian Hughes to redress the balance. Ben had four fours and a six in his top score of 35 before he attempted another straight drive and was well caught by Paul Murray off Patrick Hannon.

Ian Hughes remained undefeated on 23 but with Patrick Hannon claiming 2 for 21, supported by Paul Miller (1 for 16), Neyland gained their fourth win in as many matches, and deserved top spot in the table.

Venue: Meads Leisure Centre, Milford Haven Umpires: Les Hastings and Alan Hansen Scorers: Kirsty Hughes and Richard Howell.