A CENTURY from opener Brendon McKay helped Ynystawe crush bottom side Cowbridge in the Thomas Carroll South Wales Cricket Association second XI championship.
McKay struck 12 boundaries in his 101 and with Nathan Brace piling in with 64 and Craig Palmer hitting 40, Ynys were able to declare on 258-5 after just 40.3 of their allotted 50 overs.
It was then the turn of seamer Jason Kiley to add to the home side's misery as he took 5-37 to help dismiss Cowbridge for just 82. Daniel Richards and Lewis Tossell also picked up two wickets.
The whopping 176-run win keeps the defending champions hot on the heels of unbeaten leaders Tata Steel, who kept on their merry winning way with a hard-fought 28-run victory over Gowerton.
Cameron Bamford (45) kept Tata's innings together as they struggled to 153 all out.
With skipper David Roberts (41) and fellow opener James Gardiner (25) putting on 63 for the first wicket, Gowerton were sensing an upset, but the introduction of skipper Peter Doyle (4-28) and Morgan Jones (5-20) sent the innings tumbling to 125 all out.
Neath had to settle for a winning draw at Llangennech. Chris Stephens starred with the bat for the Gnoll side, hitting nine fours and three sixes in an impressive knock of 107. Matthew Pearce (55) and Andrew Shaddick (32) added valuable support as Neath posted a formidable 266-8 from their 50 overs.
That was always going to be a tough ask for Llan and they were forced to settle for the draw with Kieran James (45) and veteran all-rounder Mike Lloyd (56no) the mainstay of their 171-5.
Cieran Latham took five wickets for Dafen as Maesteg Celtic were skittled out for just 91. Skipper Robert Jones (26) and Chris Randell (39no) completed the job for the Llanelli side.
Carmarthen Wanderers are third following a thrilling five-wicket win at Clydach.
Long-serving skipper Nigel Garland hit 47 and Chris Donne 36 as the home side were bowled out for 178. But Craig Barrington (68no) steered the Wanderers home with just two balls to spare.
There was an early finish for second division leaders Briton Ferry Steel, who thumped Aberdare by nine wickets at The Graig.
Jay Webb (5-35) tore through the visitors' batting to help bowl them out for just 92. Gavin Pugh duly set about a swift execution, smashing 76 that included 12 fours and three sixes with the end coming in less than 20 overs.
Robert Bowen hit a brilliant 128 for Llanelli against Bronwydd at Stradey. Despite only two other batsmen reaching double figures, Llanelli were able to post 235-9 from their 50 overs.
Bronwydd's reply never looked like threatening a win, but skipper Dorian Jones (42) and Eurig Lewis (40) ensured they returned west with a draw.
Llandysul are second after their 67-run win over bottom side Morriston.
Skewen's Daniel Rees was another batsmen to celebrate a century on the weekend, his superb knock of 101 coming against Pontardawe. Rees hit 13 fours and three sixes as Skewen racked up 248-7 after being invited to bat first.
Ponty's reply was in trouble early with Geraint Fisher (4-23) and Ian Kriescher (4-26) seeing them back in the hutch for just 57.
There were runs aplenty at Sketty Lane with Swansea Civil Service and Gorseinon locked in a high-scoring draw.
Simon Jenkins (41), Roger Williams (50) and James Slack (65no) saw the Service to 224-4.
The in-form Chris Richards (89) led Gorseinon's chase, but despite a half century from skipper Rob Morgan (50) Gors finished just short on 206-6.
A century from John Anderson (101) saw Drefach to a 97-run win over Cimla in the Gwendraeth Valley. Marc Jones (70no) provided able support as the home side posted 211-3. Roy Llewellyn (4-19) and Harry McBryde (3-29) then helped dismiss Cimla for 114.
There was a tight finish between Dyffryn and Merthyr in division three. Isobel Day took 5-40 as Merthyr were bowled out for 148. Kyle Green (34) top scored in Dyffryn's reply, but they came up just short on 146-8.
Despite 42 not out from Gareth Howells, Pontyberem fell to a nine-wicket defeat to third division leaders Porthcawl. There was a winning draw for Landore over Margam, while Maesteg hammered Briton Ferry Town by 185 runs.
Kidwelly lead the way in division four thanks to an eight-wicket win at Llantwit Major.
Matthew Roberts, Josh Taylor and Declan Smith all took three wickets as the home side were dismissed for 89. Opener Wayne Clarke (45no) then steered Kidwelly home.
A brilliant 127 from Peter Broad guided Baglan to a 39-run win over Felinfoel. With Michael Powney adding 41 and Paul Morris 33, Baglan finished on 210-4.
Broad (2-43), Kevin Christopher (2-24) and Chris Williams (4-47) then dismissed Foel for 171 with just three balls remaining.
Glen Williams top scored with 36 for the visitors.
Elsewhere, a half century from skipper Neil Davies help Pwll to a 49-run win over Llandarcy, while Neath's fourth XI had the better of a draw with Llandeilo.
