BUILTH Wells Cricket Club marked a welcome return to action with a visit from the Welsh over 50s national side last weekend.

The match was held at Garth Road and used as preparation for the Bulls’ forthcoming Marches League campaign.

The home side came out on top in an exciting game as cricket made its return to the region for the first time since the easing of Welsh Government lockdown restrictions.

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Action from Builth Wells' friendly with Wales over 50s. Picture by Darren Laurie.

The match featured social distancing and regular hand sanitizing breaks to comply with the latest regulations.

The over 50s were led by former Bulls opening batsman and wicket keeper Steve Powell whose side were making a return to action after their 2020 World Cup campaign in South Africa was cut short following the coronavirius outbreak in March.

After claiming first use of the strip, Wales made a confident start with Iwan Rees and Paul Donovan testing the Builth metal.

Builth ace Dylan McPhee struggling with a succession of no balls early on eventually made the breakthrough as Wales built steadily.

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Action from Builth Wells' friendly with Wales over 50s. Picture by Darren Laurie.

Rees (53) retired not out as Donovan (45), Neil Williams (40) and Martin Powell (20) added useful runs.

Builth’s bowlers had a useful run out with Ben Cripps and Arthur Davies building on their experience to claim wickets as Wales over 50s closed on 200-6.

In response Builth’s batting order all gained valuable time in the middle.

Ian Morgan (41) and Aled Powell (27) set the ton before McPhee eased his way to an opening day 50 before retiring with Tim Richards (26), Jon Curzon (24no)) and Richard Galton (17no) seeing Builth over the line with overs to spare.

For Wales, resplendent in their red World Cup kit, Matt Phillips, Chris Hudson and Iwan Rees claimed valuable wickets as they warmed up for their truncated season.

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Action from Builth Wells' friendly with Wales over 50s. Picture by Darren Laurie.

Wales skipper Powell was delighted with his homecoming after more than a decade away.

He said: “The game was everything we wanted it to be after a long wait and everyone bought into the restrictions placed on us.”

Builth chairman Stephen Powell added: “The result was an irrelevance, it was just great to welcome cricket back and we look forward to the rest of the cricketing year.

Builth will begin their Marches league campaign on August 1 with their senior team taking on Garnons, Luctonians and Dales in a regional cup while the second team are grouped with Presteigne, Hay on Wye and Almeley.

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Action from Builth Wells' friendly with Wales over 50s. Picture by Darren Laurie.