Penn Street vs Briton Ferry

Briton Ferry 234-6 (R. Norgrave 85*, C. Pemberton 59; T. Armiger 3-26) beat Penn Street 146ao (C. Russell 50; T. Stephens 4-21) by 88 runs

Penn Streets 115th season was to start with our bi-annual trip to Swansea where we would enjoy some delicious sunshine playing Briton Ferry Steel CC. Our Welsh friends were unable to travel up to Penn Street last year due to Welsh cup commitments and it would be prove to be a tough, yet enjoyable day for the boys from Bucks (and Gloucester).

I think its fair to say a season opener against Briton Ferry is a sobering thought especially upon arrival when the opposition are undertaking numerous fielding and bowling drills to get them ready for the early season test. As ever with this fixture glorious sunshine and blue skies welcomed us into Ynysymaerdy Road and the ground has to be seen for your own eyes to appreciate the beauty of this fine arena.

With bellies full of Roast Beef courtesy of the The Golden Lion in Magor, Penn Street chose to field first with the first overs of the season being bowled by Jack and Parag who opened up with disciplined and tight opening spells to keep Ferry restrained. Mendy struck first with an LBW to give PSCC early hope.

Tyler and debutant Chris Russell took over the reigns at first change; Tyler with a shorter than usual run up was able to deliver some pitched up, tricky bowling which kept their top order on their toes and he soon struck gold as he managed to sneak through their bat and pad.

Briton Ferry were still able to score quite consistently but at no point were they able to take the game away. A quick spell from Steve Exton bought a wicket and almost a hat-trick ball following two wickets on the last game from last season. Nick also joined in with a wicket to finalise a good fielding and bowling display to restrain Ferry to 234.

Following a tasty tea which included Welsh cakes (they are available in England as well) Jack and Chris would lead the chase for PSCC and more than looked comfortable with the opening attack. Jack set the pace with some lovely timed strokes whilst Chris scored freely all over the pitch. Jack fell first but his 39 runs got PSCC off to a healthy start and Chris enjoyed his first 50 for the club. A more than competent start for Penn Street and perhaps early season success on the horizon?

Steve Smith batting 3 emerged from the pavilion sun trap and raced to 29 dots very quickly before scoring his first run, a small ripple greeted his landmark but was unable to get into his rhythm. Steve Exton as ever didn’t take long to score some quick boundaries to get PSCC back on track but soon after missed a straight one. Captain Loftus emerged at number 5 and fell victim to a “worldy” catch at gully. By this point the chase was all of a sudden a big ask with the lower order unable to match Chris and Jacks fine start.

PSCC finished on a respectable 146, man of the match has to go to Chris Russell for a superb debut half century. The first of many we hope. The sun always shines in Swansea……