Rhayader got their season up and running with a combination of young and old seeing off the challenge of Aberporth.
A depleted Rhayader opened strongly with skipper Paul Rowe (34) setting the tone.
With batting options limited club stalwart Owain Evans combined stout defence with selected hitting to push Rhayaders total to reasonable proportions.
With excell
ent support from the tail Evans carried his bat for a career best 58, which included three sixes as Rhayader closed for 127.
Andy Gaunt (3-18) was always a threat for Aberporth with Chris Townsend (2-37) and veteran Jim Dougan (2-24) also celebrating taking wickets.
In reply Aberporth needed all rounder Gaunt to match Evans’ efforts but it was the turn of Rhayader’s teenage attack to grab the headlines.
John Pugh (3-20) began the demolition but debutant Adam Martin (2-22) and fellow 16-year-old Aaron Jones (4-24) put Rhayader in the driving seat.
Debutant Gareth Lewis (1-18) took his chance well as only Steve Doyle (20), Dougan (14) and Gaunt (14) threatened to spoil the party as Aberporth crashed 23 runs short at 104 all out.
Rowe said: “It was a fine team effort. Owain batted with great responsibility and to see the younger lads contribute so effectively gives them a real boost of confidence.”
The full article contains 227 words and appears in County Times Express newspaper.
