Barry Wanderers 2nd XI vs Blaengarw 2nd XI

The Wanderers entertained Blaengarw in a league fixture at the Hayes Point ground. It was an important game with both sides looking to consolidate a good start to the season.

Wanderers skipper Ellis won the toss and elected to bat and brought in Gary Whiting to open the batting with Dave Smith. This proved to be an inspired move with both openers looking comfortable at the crease and seeing the Wanderers to 50 in the 15 th over. With this sound start, Dave Smith noticeably grew in confidence and started to swing the willow and hit the ball hard to all parts of the ground. Whiting continued to support at the other end and for the next 15 overs it was a privilege to witness the array of strokes as the run rate increased rapidly.

At 154, Whiting offered a caught and bowled chance which was snaffled and he was out for 41. Smith was joined at the crease by T.Swannick and both continued to score at will with Smith able to complete a magnificent century hitting 14 fours and 1 six. Smith departed soon after his century and Paul Swannick joined his dad at the crease and pushed the score past 200 before a mix up caused an unfortunate run out for Swannick Snr. The Wanderers closed their innings on 244 – 3 off their allocated 45 overs.

Blaengarw mounted a spirited response and if the Wanderers thought the game was theirs they were very much mistaken. Skipper Neil Evans and Graham Davies kept the run rate up to the required rate with some big hitting and the 100 came up in the 23 rd over. A middle order collapse ensued with Ashton taking 4 wickets to get the Wanderers back on course.

With Davies being dropped twice the Wanderers began to get worried and youngster Samuel hitting a quick fire 30 the game was still in the balance. It was only when Davies was bowled by Ashton for 76 that the game finally swung favorably to the Wanderers. It was now a case of whether the Wanderers could bowl out the visitors to gain maximum points. This was not to be but with Blaengarw finishing on 223 – 8 off 45 overs, the Wanderers took 25 points and move onto face Great Western away next Saturday.

A special mention must go to Andy Fenton who played after getting married the day before to Jessica, a great night was had at The Bear and the several hangovers in the field were well worth it.

MATCH BALL SPONSOR: Sunset Mountain Biking, Mr Julian Beere

Barry Wanderers 2nd XI vs Blaengarw 2nd XI Summary