PEMBROKESHIRE CRICKET

Llechryd clung on for an away draw against third-placed Burton in Division Two of the Pembroke County Cricket League but lost ground in the title race.

At this early stage the Tivy Valley villagers occupy fifth position 27 points off the promotion pace and will be hoping for a points bonanza this Saturday when bottom of the pile Stackpole come to the RDM Oval.

That could raise spirits before the following Saturday when the Teifisiders visit leaders Llangwm.

Making good use of a flat track, Burton went along merrily with Morgan Scale the mainstay as he gave his stroke-making an airing with an unbeaten 62 which included eight boundaries. He was given solid support from Richard Jones (33) and John Venables (23).

Seam bowlers James Heneker and Peter Betteley took two wickets apiece.

In the Llechryd reply Tom Davies (21) and Dewi Davies (22) were to the fore but with Stephen Jones bowling line and length and picking up four wickets the homesters found it tough going and at the close were hanging on at 136-7.

After completing a hat-trick of Division Four successes Crymych just held out for an away draw against Hook 2nds who moved up the table.

As Hook posted a more than useful 192-9 and picked up 22 points David Petrie was the star of the show as he plundered ten boundaries in an unbeaten innings of 67. He was supported by Lloyd Grayshon (28), Morgan Hughes (25) and Chris Holder (22).

Ioan Davies was on form with the ball as he snapped five wickets for 11 runs.

Richard Thorne led the way again for Crymych with a stylish unbeaten 77 that included eight boundaries and James George weighed in with 24 but the Preselimen were tottering at 152-9 at the close and earned 11 points.

Petrie also starred with the ball in taking three wickets for 25 runs and Chris Holder returned figures of 2-18.

In the same division Llechryd 2nds had lost three of their five games but showed steeliness in springing a six-wicket away win over their St Ishmaels counterparts.

Tish posted a very defendable total of 181-8 in picking up seven points as Steve Hastings led the way with 42 while Darren Hawkins contributed 30.

Malcolm McHugh and Andrew Fletcher picked up two wickets apiece.

As the visitors went for the runs young Jac Davies became the hero of the hour with his maiden half century, his fine innings of 56 including eight boundaries and he was well supported by Ben Graham (36) and Andrew Fletcher (27 not out) as the visitors banked 29 points.