Callum Taylor Stars in Newport Win
July 2018
Callum Taylor scored a fine century, as Newport ended Ammanford's recent unbeaten 6 match Premier League run, to maintain top spot in the SWPL.
It was billed as the 'Game of the Day' with both teams holding long standing unbeaten league runs (Newport 7 consecutive wins and Ammanford 6 consecutive wins). Newport were top of the table with Ammanford in 3rd.
Newport won the toss and after a slow start, began to accelerate after losing their first wicket of Joe Voke on 25-1. Imran Hassan quickly attacked the bowling and with Ollie Burland 30 took the score to 95-2. It was not until Hassan was joined by Callum Taylor that Newport really began to get on top, with the pair putting on 82 in quick time to take Newport to 177-3, before Hassan was out for a good 72. Taylor (101), was in no mood to relax, and plundered the Ammanford bowling attack reaching his century in the final over of the innings, before being out with just 1 ball of the innings left. His century came in 88 balls and included 10 fours and 1 six, as the Newport innings closed on a healthy looking 267-5. Mark Wallace 40 not out, giving Taylor good support in a partnership of 87 in quick time.
Newport claimed 2 early wickets with Harry Powell and Mike Clayden sending Ammanford reeling on 16-2. However experienced batsmen Matthew Fisher and Dan Roberts steadied the ship taking the Ammanford score to 85 before Roberts was out for 38. Fisher battled gallantly scoring 51but the introduction of spinners, Josh Aston 2-47 and young leg spinner Charlie Stewart 4-22, thwarted any chances of an Ammanford comeback, eventually falling to 201 all out leaving Newport winners by 66 runs.
With news that 2nd place Neath had won Newport maintained their 28 point lead at the top of the SWPL table.
After the match Callum Taylor was awarded his 2017 Player of the Year Award by club Chairman Mike Knight.
(Click above logo to see Match Score Card)
(Click above logo to see SWPL Table)