South East Wales Cricket League Division One (Second XI)
TYLER Morgan-Huggett chose the warmest day of the year to deliver the hottest innings of any Chepstow CC player, hammering 191 runs to lead the Second XI to victory.
But despite his elation at scoring that many runs, he is unhappy that a coveted double-century eluded him.
“I was out in the last over with four deliveries left so who knows what might have been if I had stayed to the end.”
Well-supported by his fellow opener Thomas Franklin (55) and Dave Bennett (31),
Tyler steered skipper James Bostock’s men to 325-5 in their allotted 45 overs against Pentyrch Seconds – a target the visitor found too hot to handle on the sun-baked Mathern Road pitch.
To make their task even greater, Tyler’s heroics with the bat were almost matched by his team-mates’ work with the ball.
Pentyrch openers Steve Hood (34) and George Ashby (58) gave them a solid start but despite offering stiff resistance through Andrew Sheard (51), Stephen Jones (24) and a late offering of 38 runs from Dafydd Dabson, their innings was brought to a halt on 275-9 by Morgan-Huggett.
Pick of the Chepstow bowlers was Tuhin Gavand who took 2-51 in his nine overs – including the wicket of Ashby – with Matteo Goddard taking 2-37 off four overs.
Although delighted, skipper Bostock admitted his men didn’t have it all their own way.
“ I won the toss and decided to bat first,” he said later.
“Tom and Tyler got us off to a brilliant start, putting on 150 for the first wicket.
“That set us a platform for Tyler to bat sensationally and set a club record high score!
“In reply, Pentyrch started well and were up with the rate required until some tight bowling from Tudor Morgan-Huggett quietened them down.
“Tuhin also bowled well at the other end and in the main, we fielded well and took our chances.
“Luca Goddard took an extremely difficult chance which helped restrict Pentyrch.
“With all three teams winning it was a great day for the club and hopefully we can compete for honours on three fronts throughout the season.”
Meanwhile, Chepstow’s Firsts enjoyed a comfortable 125-run victory at Pentyrch who were unable to pose a serious threat after Jason Dobbie’s men set a target of 243-8 and struggled to 118 all out in just 28 overs.
Bob Cypher