Cricket rivals aim to bounce back (From Free Press Series)

Cricket rivals aim to bounce back

SUDBROOK and Chepstow go into this weekend's derby at the Deepweir Ground both nursing defeats in their opening games of the Thomas Carroll South Wales Premiership.

But Sudbrook player-coach Mark O'Leary reckons that will make the match even more of a high-adrenaline thriller with both sides looking for their first win.

Sudbrook were dismantled by title favourites Cardiff on Saturday with a ruthless 113-run victory, while Chepstow lost by just four runs in a tense tussle against St Fagans.

O'Leary said there were no excuses for his side's defeat, but did admit his men were ruing the consequences of no pre-season grass training.

"There was no disgrace in losing against Cardiff. I think they will win the league. We had not played on grass up until then and although that's no excuse it is fair to say it had an effect on us particularly with Cardiff playing s couple of friendlies already," said O'Leary.

Sudbrook welcome back experienced match winner Carl Morgan to the side for this weekend's game, while O'Leary also has at his disposal Plymouth University batter Chris Archer.

"I've certainly got more options this week," admitted O'Leary. "Team spirit is going to be important this year. We has a chat after the Cardiff game and we were gutted we lost, but the spirit is still high and we now have to take every game as it comes with that same unity in the side.

"The Chepstow game is going to be a lot more fierce than the one against Cardiff because it is a derby game full of pride and passion. We haven't lost against them for three or four seasons now and we will want to keep that run going."

O'Leary knows only too well though that Sudbrook won't have it all their own way. Chepstow boast a potent batting force with the likes of prolific points scorer Rob Moore and Steve Evans who came close to hitting his first century of the season against St Fagons scoring a valiant 49.

"They have their danger men so we have to put the pressure on them with an attacking field," said O'Leary.

Saturday's match bats off at 1pm at Sudbrook's Deepwier Ground. Buy next week's Free Press for exclusive pictures and reaction from the match.