South East Wales Cricket League

Division 1

Pontypridd 1sts (40 all out) lost to Sudbrook 1sts (186 all out) by 146 runs

RYAN Hudson took a personal best six wickets for just 12 runs to put Pontypridd to the sword on Saturday, writes Bob Cypher.

Hudson, who joined Sudbrook this season from Undy and Magor, also recorded five maidens in his 9.4 overs in his best senior haul.

Hudson and fellow opening bowler Mitchell Slape ripped through poor Ponty, for whom no batsmen attained double figures in a performance ending in the 20th over.

Earlier, Sudbrook skipper Jamie Watkins decided to bat first after winning the toss, and although openers Ross Lewis and Matthew Spencer departed cheaply, Matt Jones, in at number three, carried his bat for a fine 82-run innings with only four boundaries included.

He lost partners for small scores until James Hussey joined him at the crease.

Hussey added 38 and when he left the action Watkins carried on with 13 runs as Sudbrook posted 186 all out.

Ponty’s reply was more like a game of skittles as wickets fell almost immediately and Josh Waughington top-scored with eight runs, Slape ending with figures of 4-27 with two maidens.

After the match Hudson said the Pontypridd wicket might have had a lot to do with his six-for.

“The ball seemed to be doing a lot off the track, and I knew a job had to be done, with Chepstow taking the top spot last weekend,” he said.

“We knew we had to close the gap. It was tough going in the heat, but once I’d dismissed their opening batsman with the third delivery of my spell, I was able to bowl with confidence and I felt good.

“With the support of Mitch, it was always a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’ the wickets would fall.

“Once again, Mitch bowled with good pace, and it’s nice to have that support from the other end, as it has been all season.

“The boys supported us well in the field and it was nice to get over the line comfortably.”

His skipper also praised his team’s performance.

“Ryan and Mitchell bowled really well in partnership but we mustn’t forget the fantastic innings by Matt Jones which helped us a lot,” Watkins said.

“Matt looked untroubled at the crease and he took the game beyond Ponty’s reach with a fantastic innings.

“Since joining us Ryan has been a real asset, and settled in really well both on and off the field.

“Ryan initiated the move to test himself at a higher level, and his performances to date prove he definitely belongs there.

“It is the lowest total we’ve bowled a team out in recent years, and the first time both openers have taken all 10 wickets.

“The boys are in good spirits, and we look forward to Saturday when we host Abergavenny who are only a couple of points behind us despite losing five times to our once, this season.”