26 May 2012
Thirds unlucky in record breaking run feast
The Thirds suffered their first defeat since 26 June 2011 against Ton Pentre on Saturday, a narrow defeat on a record breaking day, 592 runs shared between the teams for the loss of only 10 wickets.
The hosts won the toss and chose to bat first at the Ystrad Cauldron and the Manor soon had them reeling at 56-1 when Richard Fiona-Crook took a good catch at mid-on off the bowling of Tom Ryan. Ton Pentre were fortunate to add a few more runs before the fall of the second wicket. Despite more nicks and edges than Sweeny Todd standing on a cubicuboctahedron, the batting side managed to crawl to 301-1 off 34 overs before Ryan (W) struck in his belated first over to remove A. Davies for 143 thanks to a sharp catch from Noooobs (G).
More good fortune for the home side saw them finish on 434-2, with Mark Thomas unbeaten on a splendid 208.
Throughout the onslaught, the Miskin boys, they stuck to their task and, by and large, never shirked from their duties on occasion resorting to prayer, both Fiona-Richard and Captain Elks, falling to their knees in desperate attempts to prevent boundaries. Without the significant effort put in on a sweltering day, the damage could have been a lot worse.
Faced with a required run rate of 9.65 and by now appalling batting conditions (so many balls had been lost in the first innings that it was almost dark by tea), but still with the recent victory over Porth on the same ground fresh in their memories, Miskin attacked the chase with confidence, openers Ashley Thomas and Karan sacrificing themselves in the run chase, Tom Ryan and Gilo taking the attack to Ton Pentre but also to no avail. With the departure of Newberry K leaving Miskin slightly behind on Duckworth Lewis, at 48-5, and with the night closing in, Miskin used the opportunity to frustrate the hosts and bat out the 45 overs.
Star of the show was Glenn who hit a “come on guys, let’s keep going” 78, ably supported, Elks (P) with whom a stand of 82 momentarily ignited memories of that famous Porth victory, and Ryan (W), whose arrival, and speedy departure, had the same effect.
In near total darkness, headlights on and with just 277 required off the last over, Smythe and Fiona-Crook (both R) decided to raise the drawbridge and deny the hosts their final bowling points as MMIII finished on 158-8.
A chastening experience, but some positives to come out of it, a great team spirit, a never say die attitude in the field, and a good warm up for the Midweek Cup match away to Pontynewydd on Wednesday.
30 July 2011
Miskin Thirds 321-5, Ebbw Vale Thirds 184-9
A Miskin Thirds team of youngsters, debutants, and returnees put The Steelmen of Ebbw Vale to the sword in the most comprehensive of wins on Saturday.
With Elksie, The Robinsons, and Gilo all dropped to the Seconds it was time to bring out fresh blood in the form of John Attfield and young Joe Vellam, and tainted goods in the form of Karan and Will “Don’t tell my wife I’m playing” Ryan.
On a good looking wicket at Beaufort RFC, Miskin decided to bat first. In a shock return to form, Keiran Newberry departed for a first ball duck, but Miskin Tom Ryan and Ashley Thomas then put on an impressive 59 before Tom fell for 18.
AT and Mr. Trigger Phillips (aka Howard) continued strongly with Ashley being run out by the callous Trigger just one short of his maiden senior half century. Trig and Carl Gelher both scored 30s before the fireworks really began.
Coming in with 15 overs left, John Attfield and the ever-charasmatic Karan More started clubbing the ball to all corners of the field, with Attfield reaching 50 in just 18 balls. By the end of the innings, Attfield had reached 86 not out (from 45 balls) and More 56 not out. John in particular has a talent for finding the most unfit fielders and milked that talent for all he was worth.
Together they put on an unbeaten partnership of over 150, a Miskin Thirds record that will stand for a long time, or until beaten.
After a memorable tea, Miskin took to the field with quiet confidence, wary of having previously snatched defeat form the jaws of victory. However an opening salvo of superb bowling from Ryans Junior and Senior ensured Ebbw Vale were always behind the pace.
Their captain Rob Thompson (58) held the innings together, more than ably assisted by 13 year old Sam Clarke who posted an excellent 38. The Miskin bowling was solid with Rhys Williams (2 for 5) and Ashley Thomas (2 for 35) taking regular wickets. But the best was yet to come as League debutant Joe Vellam took two wickets with his first two balls and finished on 4-16 from 5 overs.
Unfortunately Miskin couldn’t quite take maximum points as Ebbw’s very own Victor Meldew held firm but nonetheless were delighted by a comprehensive win and look forward to welcoming Abertillery to Tyn-y-bryn Park, Tonyrefail on Saturday in a further push towards a promotion spot.
With Elksie away next week, it looks like the points are in the bag already.
23 July 2011
Miskin Manor III 210-6, St. Fagan’s V 107 all out.
After a three week weather enforced lay-off during which Elksie decided to decorate the interior of his winnebago, Miskin Thirds returned to winning ways against their St. Fagan’s opponents. Tyn-y-bryn Park, Tonyrefail, looking glorious in the late July sunshine, played host to the match that saw the visitors win the toss and elect to bat…. after Miskin.
A solid opening partnership between Kieren “Chanceless” Newberry (23) and Ashley “Chancer” Thomas (25) got Miskin off to a good start, and this was continued by Tom “I should have got a 50” Ryan (29). Star of the show again for Miskin was Matthew “I’m going to get married at Tyn-y-Bryn Park” Giles who followed up his ton on the same wicket in June with a more patient 68. Three other batters got into the twenties (Howard “I must get home for my Chinese” Phillips, Paul “Have travel home: won’t travel” Elks and Dan “ what number buses go past this ground?” Burr) to get Miskin to a total of 210-6 from their 45 overs.
The tea was taken in the splendid Tonyrefails Working Man’s Club, featuring beef salad rolls, home-made bara-brith and Ashley’s plate of S&V crisps.
In reply, St. Fagan’s started well with the young Iolo Morris reaching the twenties. However, ST. F’s were no match for the excellent bowling and fielding of MMIII as a succession of the young, old and 1970 Greek crooner look-a-likes came and went.
As usual a Thirds match was enlivened by (a) appearing in a photo shoot for the new magazine “Perfect Tonyrefail Weddings” and (b) by Will “The Enforcer” Ryan intervening in all-out gang warfare on the grassy knoll at the Leisure Centre End.
Miskin took wickets at regular intervals. Dan Burr, Owen “How do I become a member of Tonyrefail Work Man’s?” Skelton, Greg “Don’t call me Nathan’s bro” Robinson and Alex “I’ve got new jeans and I’m gonna wear them” Hickman all claimed victims, before Ashley Thomas mopped up the tail to finish with figures of 3 wickets for 6 runs, and claim a comprehensive 103 run win for Miskin. The team celebrated long into the night at the aforementioned TWMC (well, for half an hour anyway).
Following this excellent display of all round cricket talent, the Thirds will continue with their promotion push away to Ebbw Vale on Saturday.
2 July 2011
Vale III 50 all out, Miskin III 51-4
In a one-sided match at Southerndown, Miskin Thirds wrapped up victory in a little over two hours as they comprehensively outplayed Vale.
Having won the toss, Vale decided to bat first on a difficult wicket, and lost two batters in the first over of the match, bowled by the excellent Dan Burr.
Only one Vale batsman (M. Barnett with 15 not out) reached double figures as the outstanding Burr and Miskin captain Elks tore into the batting. After the initial wickets by the fantastic Burr, Elks ripped through the middle order, finishing with 4-20. The final nail in the coffin was applied by the stupendous Dan Burr who took 4 wickets with his last 5 balls, including his first senior hat-trick to finish with magnificant figures of 6-29.
In reply, Miskin lost early wickets with Kevin Thomas being sacrificed on the altar of Andy Ringsall’s running. Matthew Jacka stabilised the innings with a rapid 15. It was left to Oliver Smythe and
Tom Ryan to see Miskin home with 33 overs to spare.
The fines committee of Robinson (G) and Ryan (W) worked overtime, with Elks (over-enthusiastic appealing), Newberry K (flirting with player’s mother) and Ringsall (schlong-related abuse) being most heavily reprimanded.
26 June 2011
Miskin Manor IIIs 122 all out, lost to Porth 123-1, by 9 wickets
In the only senior game played over the weekend, Miskin IIIs slipped to a 9 wicket defeat at the hands of table-topping Porth.
Thanks to the fantastic efforts of the Miskin ground staff, the match was able to start at 1:45 with no overs being lost. Miskin batting first got off to a brisk start with Ashley Thomas (28) and Keiran Newberry (10) showing positive intent. Indeed, all was going well going into the 15th over with Miskin moving along at just over four an over, Carl Gehler having come to the party. However, a flurry of wickets either side of the drinks interval saw Gehler and Thomas back in the hutch followed by the calamitous run out of Glenn Newberry for nought, Gareth Bale picking up collection of tea money duty as penance. This reduced Miskin to 70-4 and despite a spirited 22 from the skipper, Paul Elks, when he departed the tail were exposed, Miskin finishing 122 all out. The scoring rate was always around 4 per over, the same rate as Porth, but the regular loss of wickets is something the team need to address.
It was a determined and spirited Miskin team which took to the field, some tight bowling and excellent fielding on a scorching hot day which, against many other teams in the league, or on a day when the batting had fired, would have been the foundation for victory. Rhys Williams took an excellent return catch and Nathan Robinson and Alex Hickman bowled with aggression and control, the latter going for just 8 runs in 5 overs at a time when the batsmen were well set and looking to push on.
Unfortunately, on an excellent batting pitch, the total was unlikely ever to trouble the table topping Porth and with the openers putting on 100, L Jacka finishing unbeaten having passed 50, they got home with 17 overs to spare.
There are few better, if any, teams in the league than Porth and they are surely destined for promotion this season. Next week Miskin will look to put their own promotion push back on track.
11 June 2011
Maesteg loss lightened by trouser malfunction
The Thirds went up to Maesteg optimistic of back-to-back wins but returned with tails firmly between their legs.
On arrival the wicket was under water but some of that famous Llynfi valley sunshine meant only an hour’s delay before play started. In difficult conditions Maesteg compiled a patient 112-6 with Rhys Davies top scoring with 60 from 94 balls. Pick of the bowlers were Nathan Robinson (3-28) and Paul Elks (2-23), well supported by the Under 15 trio of Alex Hickman, Ashley Thomas and Tom Ryan (who took his first senior wicket). Trigger relished the occasion, although was disappointed to concede a bye when a ball was literally hit out of his hands after he had taken it behind the stumps! The phrase late-cut has never been more applicable – it was later than Mr Late of Latesville Crescent, Latetown, on a particuarly late morning.
In reply, Miskin took control of the match. At 67-2 they were well on course with Shane (Black t-shirt) Scott anchoring the innings, Gilo making a patient 10 and Tom Ryan a quick 14. But then an old-fashioned Thirds collapse ensued. After top scorer Shane fell for 43, the next eight wickets fell for just 25 runs leaving Miskin 20 runs short. The damage was mainly done by their captain Jason Morgan (3-14) (Captain Morgan Rums through the Miskin middle order – sorry) and veteran Ken Harris (4-13) who tore through the batting.
Although the outcome was disappointing, the afternoon was illuminated by a dog chasing his owner onto the field, a Maesteg bowler’s hat falling over his eyes as he bowled (a wide) and best of all, the aforementioned Ken Harris’ trousers falling down as he ran in to bowl. A truly champagne moment and one fitting for the afternoon.
The Thirds will be aiming to put things right on Saturday as they entertain Llanhilleth at the Tonyrefail Oval. Be there or be square.
4 June 2011
“Sir Gilo gives Miskin the edge”
Miskin 227-7 off 45 overs. Monkswood IIIs 197-9 off 45 overs.
Miskin win by 30 runs.
The thirds secured their second win of the season with a tight win over Monkswood IIIs at Tonyrefail on Saturday. Monkswood won the toss and put Miskin into bat on the typical moist, green Ton wicket. A swashbuckling start from Shane Scott (43) with Ashley Thomas gave Miskin a firm foundation, with the help of numerous Monkswood drops, before Shane holed out with one streaky off drive too many. This brought in Matt Giles, elevated up the order to number three, to the crease. Matt’s batting – having always shown promise – materialised into the type of knock the thirds have been crying out for: studied in concentration, erudite in shot selection, exact in execution. With supporting cameos from Andrew Ringsell, Keiran Newberry and Paul Elks (all 14) and Tom Ryan (18), musical maestro Matt amassed 104 from 92 balls, with his maiden century coming from his maiden six over long on. The innings finally ended with Gilo caught at deep square leg on the final ball of the innings with Miskin on 227-7.
In reply, Monkswood put Miskin under severe pressure for the first 18 overs with 71 year old John Storey showing a dead eye, crashing anything that took his fancy to the boundary. He was finally dismissed for 52by Rob Smythe with an off stump yorker – a timely wicket; another 4 or 5 overs could have taken the game too far away from Miskin. Nathan Robinson, Ashley Thomas and Paul Elks then slowed down the run rate, swinging the game to Miskin, with wickets falling steadily. Monkswood could not up the rate and fell short of the target at 197-9, the final wicket refusing to fall in the last two overs. Nathan Robinson and Ashley Thomas starred in the attack and finished with 9-3-31-3 and 10-2-43-3 respectively. A fine team performance from Miskin with another young side and a result that marks the arrival of Matt Giles with the bat, as well as the inaugural entry on the Tonyrefail Workman’s/Miskin III honours board!
21 May 2011
Ashley Thomas just fails to carry a young Miskin IIIs
Cynon Valley III 161-7 off 45 overs. Miskin Manor III 145-9 off 45
A Miskin III XI decimated by second team call ups, just failed to beat Cynon Valley in an exciting encounter on Saturday.
Cynon Valley batted first on a green, damp wicket at Tonyrefail and made steady progress throughout the innings, accelerating nicely during the last 10 overs to 161. Young legspinner Ashley Thomas starred in the Miskin attack with figures of 10-3-21-3, with disappointment coming in the large number of extras conceded during the innings.
In reply, Miskin lost early wickets but mid order resistance from Tom Ryan (17) and Ashley Thomas (31) kept Miskin in with a chance. The loss of Paul Elks on 30 overs with Miskin 110-8 exposed a young tail, but stiff resistance from Ashley Thomas, Alex Hickman & Daffydd Skelton meant that Miskin frustrated the Cynon Valley attack. Miskin finished on 145-9, a deficit of just 15 runs.
An extra batsman and a bit more discipline with extras and the result would have been a lot closer.
14 May 2011
Bale Spurs Miskin III to Victory
Vale III 123 all out; Miskin Manor III 124-3
Miskin Thirds eased to victory in the opening match of their season at a windswept Southerndown on Saturday. After winning the toss and putting Vale into bat, an excellent bowling performance saw Vale III bowled out for 123 within 33 overs.
Bowling up the hill and into the wind, Matthew Giles took 3 for 33, supported by Gethin Bale (3-31) and Paul Elkes (2-17). In difficult conditions, the fielding was excellent, with debutant Ashley Thomas leading the way. Veteran Colin Workman carried his bat for Vale scoring a solid 42 not out.
Despite the loss of an early wicket, knocks of 33 from Kevin Thomas, 45 not out from Gareth Bale and a swashbuckling 21 not out from Keiran Newberry meant that Miskin won with 20 overs to spare to start the season in fine style.
