PENALLT entertained Newent on Saturday 1st August, in the side’s latest KW Bell Forest League Division 1 encounter.

Captain Dave Wilding lost the toss and was asked to bat on what looked like a perfect batting track.

After losing the early wicket of Chris Margetts, Tim Swanson joined Graham Hyde at the crease.

Together these two steadied the ship to take Penallt, sponsored by Paul Jarrold Tyres, over the 100 mark before both fell in fairly quick succession – Hyde for 55 and Swanson on 47.

Cameo roles from Keith Powles (27), Rob Cole (20) and Jim Baker (7 not out) helped bring Penallt to a healthy 184-5 at tea.

The early Newent batting was kept pegged back by good bowling, from Lyndon Jacques (8-2-13-1) and Geoff Eaves (7-1-33-0).

However, Newent’s stubborn James Griffiths (53 not out) and Declan Beale (52), with the help of James Field (31 not out) pushed the score on very quickly to pass the target in the 33rd over.

With four matches remaining, Penallt are desperate to win all of them. Any players are asked to contact Lyndon Jacques, Dave Wilding or Graham Hyde to ensure putting an XI on the field.