DESPITE being held to a draw by Lawrenny 2nds the 22 points banked by Llechryd extended their lead at the top of Division Three of the Pembrokeshire Cricket League.

Nearest rivals Carew 2nds went down against Stackpole who moved into second but the Teifisiders increased their advantage to 46 points.

The visitors would have taken maximum points but for just failing to winkle out the Lawrenny last pair who clung on for a draw and ten points.

Llechryd included in their line-up former Kilgetty all-rounder Johnny Lewis, better known locally for his prowess as a central defender with St Dogmaels Football Club, but also a class act as a cricketer.

Opening the batting on his debut Lewis gave his array of shots an airing as he made 73 which included 15 boundaries. He also took a wicket with his off spinners.

Batting first on a good track the Teifi Valley high-flyers made good progress with Lewis dominant and opening partner Andrew Davies making a very useful 39 as the homesters posted 191-7.

Although Jonathan Mathias (40) and Mathew Lewis (34) did well in the Lawrenny reply the visitors were clinging on at 151-9 at the end.

In the same division Crymych are in mid table after losing for the second time in going down by 62 runs against basement boys Lamphey at Glandy Cross.

With Dean Lawrence (34) and Lewis Haines (33) getting their heads down the visitors posted a more than useful total of 172 for the loss of eight wickets. Dai Jenkins was best of the home bowlers.

Richard Thomas did his best to mount a Crymych run chase but his colleagues were not up to the task and failed to come to terms with medium-pacer Andrew Skeels who bowled line and length in snapping five wickets for 17 runs and the Preselimen were dismissed for 110.

After the euphoria of promotion as Division Five champions last season Llechryd are finding that life is anything but a bowl of cherries in the higher grade.

Batting first against Carew 3rds at Castell Malgwyn the Teifisiders were dismissed for 116 and if it had not been for a fine knock of 48 by Rob Mansfield the total would have had a very sorry look to it.

Jeremy Griffiths did the damage for the visitors as he snapped five wickets for 17 and Robert Hicks picked up two wickets for 12 runs.

In the Carew reply Chris Cole held things together with a fine innings of 39 and hicks contributed 25 as the visitors reached the total for the loss of five wickets.