PEMBROKESHIRE Cricket League Division Three pacesetters Llechryd had their lead reduced by 20 points after being held to a draw at Saundersfoot as second in the table Haverfordwest 3rds beat Lawrenny 2nds by nine wickets to close the gap.

Having first use of a flat track Saundersfoot went along merrily with Paul Mansbridge and Danny Caine taking a liking to the visiting attack as they scored all round the wicket.

Mansbridge hit eleven boundaries in a fine innings of 71 while his partner’s 69 included eight fours and a towering six.

Opener Michael Carter led the Llechryd attempt to overhaul a total of 238-3, the experienced opener scoring freely in a superb innings of 97 which included 14 boundaries. He was given good support from young Adam Williams (36).

The Teifisiders were on 185-6 at the close and picked up only six points compared to 26 by the second placed team and the rivals go head-to-head in the county town this Saturday.

In the same division bottom of the pile Crymych finally came good with an eight-wicket away win over Herbrandston.

Despite banking 29 points the Preselimen are still a long way from safety and will need similar results if they are to stave off the dreaded drop.

Paul Nicholas (25) and Jack Nicholas (20) were the main contributors as the homesters were dismissed for a modest 120 as Steffan Williams returned the excellent figures of 5-12.

As the north Pembrokeshire villagers knocked off the runs for the loss of two wickets in form Richard Thorne was again to the fore with a fine innings of 87 not out and Andrew Thomas assisted with an unbeaten 22.

Llechryd notched win number three by 19 runs against visiting Saundersfoot 2nds at the Castle Malgwyn ground to retain fourth spot in Division Four.

Llechryd 2nds were restricted to a modest total of 131-7 with Sam Everton (36), Andrew Fletcher (19) and Steve Welch (19 not out) the main run-getters.

Medium-pacer Kevin Sykes returned figures of 3-24.

As the visitors replied opener Danny James contributed 29 but they were dismissed for 112 and went down to a 19-run defeat.

Scott Thomas was best of the Llechryd bowlers as he snapped four wickets for 13 runs.