Happy returns for Gaz
16-05-10
Gareth Roberts had a birthday to remember as he made a half-century and claimed three wickets as Carmel's Friendly XI eased to 45-run victory over Windsor Wesleyans.
Skipper Gwion Dafydd won the toss and his decision to bat first paid off as Carmel made a positive start after a solid opening stand between Barry McGauty and Nick Washbrook before the latter chipped one up and was caught.
Developing wicketekeeper-batsman Will Loveland (8) fell cheaply but Washbrook (40) and Timothy Abraham kept the scorebook ticking along nicely.
But the afternoon belonged to Roberts who hit a season's best 66 after stands with Abraham (36) and Jonathan Fisher before he was bowled.
Fisher (26 not out) helped Carmel past the 200-mark and Oliver Davies hit his first six at Pen-y-Gelli with a beautiful pull through mid-wicket off only his second ball to help Carmel total 216/6 off their 40 overs.
Carmel's first-choice bowlers struggled to get a breakthrough after the tea interval and the visitors reached 74/0 off 20 overs at the drinks break.
Spinner Dafydd (2-14) eventually got the first wicket but occasional bowler Roberts also stole the show with the ball as he scooped 3-27 off his five overs.
There was still time for Abraham to effect a run out as Windsor Wesleyans were restricted to 171/6 off their 40 overs to give Carmel a comfortable victory. Full scorecard here...