Date-stamped : 25 Apr95 - 22:39 Benson and Hedges Round 2: Glamorgan v Combined Universities Cardiff, 25 April 1995 Thomas celebrates six - Norman Harris Glamorgan (318-4) bt Combined Universities (101) by 217 runs THE CONTEST was long since over when the day`s final ball brought a bonus for Glamorgan followers. Young Darren Thomas plucked a left-handed return catch out of the air and threw the ball aloft to celebrate his sixth wicket. There was a hint of another Darren - Gough - in that gesture, as there had been in the 20-year-old`s vigorous action and pace. Certainly, a return of six for 20 from nine overs represented sensational figures, even against university batsmen. Three years ago Thomas took five wickets on his championship de- but at Chesterfield. But despite appearances for England Under-18 and 19, there has not been sustained progress at county level. Now, after a good pre-season tour, he looked decidedly quicker than his senior colleagues. Glamorgan`s 318 was an improvement of 16 on their previous best B & H total, but though the bowling was obliging, England should take note of the innings of David Hemp. Last season the left- hander scored most runs for Glamorgan and was rewarded with an England A tour. Now his 121 was easily his highest in limited- over competitions. It is true that he has had plenty of batting - after India, a tour of Zimbabwe and games with his South African club, Durban Crusaders. But after these, a slow Sophia Gardens pitch must have come as a bit of a shock. However, with an equally enterprising Steve James, Hemp did not compromise his splendidly uncomplicated strokeplay. The innings won him the Gold Award, though perhaps the judgment was made too early. Thomas, replacing Watkins, initially appeared to be spraying the ball a little as he strived for pace. Ruben Spiring looked a competitive batsman before being explo- sively yorked. Thereafter, Thomas`s wickets came rapidly as anxi- ous batsmen touched edges to the keeper, and the bowler`s enthusiasm began ever more to mimic his namesake. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)