AN immediate return to Division Two after relegation last term is the main priority of Llechryd but promotion looks anything but straightforward after a 21-run defeat at home against Lawrenny 2nds.

The reversal leaves the Teifisiders just five points in front of third-placed Stackpole who have a game in hand and visit Castell Malgwyn on August 15.

Having first use of a flat track Lawrenny posted 118 thanks largely to Steve Campbell and John Fuller who both made 39.

Super veteran Peter Betterley bowled line and length in returning figures of 3-17 and Michael Carter also picked up three wickets.

In the home team’s reply Johnny Lewis (30) and Andrew Davies (22) appeared to put their side on the road to victory but their colleagues failed to make any significant contributions. Medium-pacer John Fuller snapped four wickets for eleven runs as Llechryd were all out for 97.

In the same division Crymych fared no better in going down to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of third from bottom Lamphey.

As Crymych were dismissed for 64 Richard Thorne (19) and Nick Bevan (18) were the main contributors. Steven Vale was the best Lamphey bowlers with figures of five wickets for 14 runs.

The homesters reached the target for the loss of four wickets with Glanluca Tremarco (22) and Lewys Haines (19 not out) leading the way.

Llechryd 2nds crashed to a three-wicket defeat at the hands of bottom side Carew 3rds in Division Four. Opener Daniel Moulster (56) and Paul Beesley (45) were the main contributors as the Teifisiders posted 152-4. Scott Thomas, Joe Mansfield and Steve Smith picked up three wickets apiece.

Dominic Booth (48 not out) and Russell Knox (22) guided the basement boys to victory for the loss of seven wickets.