COUNTY CHAMPIONS CRUISE TO ANOTHER EASY WIN

by Andrew Hignell

12 Apr 1998


Glamorgan, the 1997 County Champions, began the new season with a comfortable 116 run victory in their 50 over friendly against Wales Minor Counties at Sophia Gardens this afternoon. The county professionals totalled a formidable 328-6 in their innings, and they were indebted to an unbeaten partnership of 142 for the 7th wicket by Adrian Shaw (53*) and Darren Thomas (89*). Their stand lasted just 14 overs, with Thomas hitting 4 sixes and 5 fours off just 54 balls. The young paceman, who won his county cap at the end of last season, looked in fine fettle with the bat, and his clean hitting demonstrated his rich potential as a true all-rounder. Indeed, Thomas could have a key role to play with the bat in the county's forthcoming limited overs games.

Thomas gained useful support from wicket-keeper Adrian Shaw, whilst Gary Butcher also made a well composed 42. However, none of the top order batsmen were able to make a significant contribution in the cold and blustery conditions which prevailed in the early morning. Indeed, the Welsh bowlers also found it difficult to control the new ball, with Simon Jones and Ben Morgan contributing a plethora of no balls and wides. Morgan eventually bowled 17 no balls and 7 wides in a 10 over spell during which he was plundered for 120 runs.

The conditions were still tundra-like when Wales started their innings in mid afternoon. Andrew Jones and James Langworth bravely began their reply in almost surreal conditions with Steve Watkin opening the bowling with snow falling, and after 2.1 overs, the players gratefully left the field as hailstones and snowflakes turned the outfield white.

Play resumed after a half an hour, with Wales' target re-set by the Duckworth-Lewis Method to 302 in 42 overs. However, they soon subsided to 35-3 and were never in with a realistic chance of scoring seven and a half an over against the county attack. Their innings was given an air of respectability by Simon Jones, the son of Jeff Jones, the former Glamorgan and England quick bowler, who is on the Welsh County's staff. The youngsters free strokeplay saw him hurry to an unbeaten 59 off just 33 balls, and he could be a player to note for the future.

The first of the two friendlies with Wales Minor Counties at Cardiff on April 11th was abandoned without a ball being bowled, and given the unseasonal weather, Glamorgan have been lucky to gain valuable outdoor practice, both in today's friendly with Wales and on their pre-season tour to Jersey.

Please visit the Glamorgan Website : http://www-uk.cricket.org/link_to_database/NATIONAL/ENG/FC_TEAMS/GLAM/

Contributed by Dr.A.K.Hignell (higgers@rmplc.co.uk)


Source: by Andrew Hignell

Contributed by CricInfo Management
help@cricinfo.com

Date-stamped : 13 Apr1998 - 10:36