A COMPELLING encounter saw Monmouth Cricket Club’s first XI secured a commanding victory by 60 runs against Abercarn Cricket Club’s first XI. Abercarn won the toss and elected to field, allowing Monmouth to set a formidable target with a total of 241 runs from their 37 overs. 

David Teague led the innings with a brisk 27 runs off 26 balls, while Adam Roberts contributed a solid 53 from 54 deliveries. 

The highlight of the innings was Jake Teague, whose explosive 60 off just 36 balls, including 10 boundaries, was crucial in pushing Monmouth’s total beyond 240. Their innings also benefited from 33 extras. 

Osian Jones’s unbeaten innings was a steadying presence in the lower order. The youngster is currently vying for a spot in the Wales Under 15s squad and his 5 overs, conceding just 18 runs with an economy of 3.60 will be sure to help. 

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YOUNGSTER: Wales u15 hopeful, Osian Jones, with a solid performance with bat and ball. (Monmouth Cricket Club)

Abercarn’s bowlers struggled to contain the Monmouth batsmen, with Harrison Parsons taking 3 wickets for 36 runs and Jeremy Parsons adding 2 for 45. However, the remaining bowlers, including Saurabh Chaudhary and Kurt Smith, were unable to maintain pressure as Monmouth capitalised on their opportunities. 

In reply, Abercarn’s innings faltered under the weight of the target. Despite a promising start from Harrison and Jeremy Parsons, Abercarn could not build a solid foundation. 

In another decisive match, Chepstow’s third XI emerged victorious by 8 wickets over Monmouth’s second XI. Monmouth won the toss and chose to bat, setting a competitive total of 214 runs in 40 overs. 

William Wilton was instrumental for Monmouth, delivering a stellar performance with an unbeaten 103 from 92 balls, including 11 boundaries and 4 sixes. 

Chepstow’s bowlers performed admirably, with Huw Rogers taking 3 wickets for 24 runs and Charlie Harkins adding 2 for 14. The disciplined performance of the entire bowling unit restricted Monmouth to 214 runs. 

In response, Chepstow's batsmen put on a commanding display. Alun Jones played a remarkable innings, remaining unbeaten on 123 from 87 balls, featuring 15 fours and 7 sixes. His explosive batting was crucial in chasing down the target. 

Chepstow reached the target with ease, scoring 216 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets in 32.5 overs. 

Usk Cricket Club’s first XI faced a daunting challenge as they were comprehensively defeated by St Fagans Cricket Club, who won by nine wickets. After winning the toss and choosing to field, St Fagans' decision proved decisive as Usk's batting struggled to put up a competitive total. 

Usk’s innings faltered early, managing only 107 runs before being bowled out in 38.5 overs. The team’s batting lineup failed to build momentum, with opening batsmen Elliott Doyle and Oliver Robson dismissed for single-digit scores. Despite a fighting 31 from Matthew Williams and a resilient 33 from Matt Hancock, Usk’s innings lacked the impetus needed to set a competitive target. 

St Fagans' bowlers were outstanding, with Ollie Sherwood claiming 3 wickets for 19 runs and Rhodri J Lewis taking 3 for 23. Bhavya Doshi and Zac Williams also played key roles in restricting Usk to 107. 

In response, St Fagans made light work of the modest target, reaching 108 for 1 in just 24.3 overs. Steven Reingold led the chase with an unbeaten 50, while C R Nicholls supported with 46 before being dismissed. Jeremy Lawlor added a quick 5 not out to complete the victory.