Double winners Cardiff are Miles better

CARDIFF capped a memorable weekend by adding the Welsh Cup to their South Wales Premier Cricket League crown to complete a remarkable double, writes CARL FIELD.

They beat Pontarddulais by 41 runs at the Gnoll on Sunday, just 24 hours after they sealed the league title by defeating Ynysygerwn.

Cardiff won the toss at Neath and opted to bat first as they went for more glory in the cup final.

Opener Adam Miles once again led by example at the top of the order, striking 89 – which included six boundaries – to help his team post 212-6 off their allotted 40 overs.

Miles and opening partner Harry Bowles (36) put on 83 for the first wicket before Greg Holmes took the baton and hit an unbeaten 61 off 62 balls.

Owain Morgan was the best of the Pontarddulais bowlers, collecting 3-31 off his eight overs.

Chasing 213 to win, Pont were always behind the rate and lost two wickets early on – before consolidating – with opener Arwel Thomas and Garry Arrowsmith (30) putting on 68 for the third wicket.

Thomas top scored with 48 before being caught by Miles off the bowling of Tom Barry.

They weren’t helped by the fact four of their top six batsman could only muster nine between them, although there were some cameos down the order, with Owen Morgan (38) the most notable – and was the only Pont player to hit the ball over the rope during his 35-ball knock.

They closed on 171-8 after their allotted 40 overs, with Barry, James Lewis and Mujahid Ilyas all collecting two wickets apiece.