With leaders South Glamorgan Education sidelined due to the weather, it was a chance for other Willow League sides to close the gap this past week.
Cardiff Casuals are usually in the mix come season’s end, and against Cardiff University Staff saw good contributions from Manesh Vyas (39) and Kim Swain (34) lead them to a closing score of 132-3. Grovesnor, Brabham and Akhter each picked up a wicket for the Staff. The Staff reply was anchored by Cartwright (27) but it wasn’t until a cameo 26no from Roger Grovesnor that anyone else reached double figures as Casuals restricted Staff to 102-7. Matt Davies (2-19) was the most successful bowler for Casuals.
Sevenoaks HiFi were led by a solid 30 from Simon Elliott, assisted by 19 from Ian Court as they knocked up 125 all out against Rhiwbina, Ashleigh Crowter grabbing 3 wickets to lead the Rhiwbina attack. In reply, Rhiwbina were all at sea with no batsman reaching double figures as they crumbled to 48 all out, Brian Condon completing the rout with 4 wicket for just 2 runs.
Cardiff Cavaliers faced the Consmen side they had beaten in the Cup a week earlier on a tricky Blackweir pitch. Batting first, Consmen found the going difficult, with skipper Matt Davies top scoring with just 13 in a total of 82-6. Glen Chapman (2-12) led the Cavaliers attack. In reply, Cavaliers also found themselves in early difficulties as the pitch produced variable bounce. Jimmy Marchant took the attack to the bowlers with an approach that paid dividends as he struck his way to 34 not out, as Cavaliers reached the winning post with 7 wickets and almost eight overs to spare.
Batting first against Cardiff Bay Barbarians, GE Healthcare posted their best total of the season to date with Ian James leading the way with 24, supported by Gordon Stephenson (16), Lewis Fitzgerald (13) and Andy Dyer (12), in an all out total of 92. Darren Mogridge, Hunt, and Hareem all bagged a brace of wickets. Skipper Mogridge anchored the Barbarians reply with a well played 38no, with Mark Davies adding 20 as good spells by Ian Fitzgerald (2-14) and Ian James (2-5) went largely unsupported as the Barbarians reached the winning mark with 4 overs and 5 wickets in hand.
DP