SWCA Division One

Gowerton (147) lost to Ammanford (151-4) by six wickets

Ammanford are back in the Premier League after a salutary single season down in the South Wales Cricket Association.

They hold an unassailable 36-point lead at the top of the first division with just one match remaining, thanks to Saturday’s emphatic six-wicket victory at Gowerton.

Alun Evans won the toss and put the hosts in to bat with the intention of finishing early for a pleasant evening out in nearby Swansea.

Understanding his captain’s intention, Matthew Roberts returned the sort of figures which have made him the league’s deadliest bowler this summer.

He took seven wickets for 44 runs in a spin-bowling master-class, the other three being shared by Sam Jones (2-24) and Matthew Fisher (1-29).

The only resistance shown by Gowerton’s batsmen came at either end of the order from opener Adam Bond (39) and Number 10 Chris Mason (24). Jack Davies also chipped in with 22.

Gowerton were all out for 147 in 44 overs.

The home total gave Ammanford an extra six overs to pass Gowerton’s effort. As it turned out, they didn’t even need half their allocated 50.

Alun Evans opened with Rhys Davies, and by the time the captain departed with 64 from 46 deliveries, including two sixes and 11 fours, the game was good as won.

Fellow opener Davies was joined by his brother Rhodri (26), and they put on 44 before Rhys (44) was caught out with less than 10 runs needed for victory.

Ammanford rather carelessly lost another two wickets before recording the victory which came in just 25 overs and put them out of reach and back in the top flight of Welsh cricket.

Next week sees the final match against second placed Tata Steel at the Park. Despite being a dead rubber it will give Ammanford the opportunity of emphasising their superiority in this league.