Skewen's top order helps boost their title chances

SKEWEN boosted their title hopes in division one of the South Wales Cricket Association after defeating Tata Steel.

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Their 26-run victory saw them close the gap on second-placed Gorseinon to just eight points.

But they remain 28 points adrift of leaders Maesteg.

Skewen batted first at Tata and a knock of 46 by Johan Conrath helped them to 174-9 in their 45 overs. He found support from Daniel Williams (36) and Don Abewardena (33).

Michael Jones took 4-29 for the home side.

Tata were given hope by Kelvin Bartle's fine 46, but his dismissal ended their chances. Steve James and N De Silva both picked up three wickets.

Maesteg remained at the top courtesy of a six-wicket win at Aberdare.

But Gorseinon were denied the chance to keep the pressure on the Llynfi Valley side when their game at Bronwydd was called off after heavy rain.

Gowerton claimed their third victory of the season as they won by 50 runs at Llandysul.

The visitors batted first and reached 179-7. Lloyd Ebden led the way with 54, while Jack Hobbs added 38. Noa Lloyd took 4-34 for the hosts.

James Cable then took centre stage with the ball, returning the superb figures of 4-3 as Llandysul were dismissed for 129.

Hobbs completed a fine day's work with 3-28.

Chris Strange scored 32 for the Teifi Valley outfit.

The other game in the top flight saw Briton Ferry Town edge a low-scoring encounter against Baglan by 10 runs.

Ferry batted first and were dismissed for 100 in the 34th over. Matthew Vaughan took 4-15, but the 23 scored by wicketkeeper Mohsin Ali was to prove crucial in the context of the match.