Teague is a true class act (From Free Press Series)

Teague is a true class act

REIGNING champions Monmouth Cricket Club open their Flint & Cook Marches League Division One campaign against Talgarth at the Sports Ground this Saturday.

Paul Swingwood's men will be aiming to re-capture the superb form that landed them the league and cup double last season.

Talgarth finished runners-up in the Marches League last year and secured a crushing win over Monmouth at the Sports Ground in the final league match of 2003.

Monmouth, sponsored by the Misbah Tandoori Rest-aurant, will be aiming to avenge that defeat and start the campaign on a high note with a victory over their arch rivals.

Monmouth have been boosted by the arrival of former Wales youth international David Teague from Newport Cricket Club.

All-rounder Teague has also played for Llanarth and will follow in the footsteps of his father, John, who was a popular figure at Monmouth Cricket Club.

Teague, who is a former Glamorgan Colt, is a top order batsman and a competent off-spin bowler, who will be a very welcome addition to the Monmouth team set-up.

Swingwood commented: "David is a very handy performer who should give us something a little bit extra out on the field this season.

"He's a Monmouth lad, who knows the rest of our players very well. Attracting players of David's calibre shows the progress we have made at Monmouth Cricket Club over the past couple of years. We are absolutely delighted to have him on board."

Swingwood will also be looking to fill the void which is left by opening batsman Chris Richards, who has now moved to Bedfordshire.

Swingwood's men were involved in 18 league and cup matches during 2003, winning 16 and losing just twice.

Meanwhile, Monmouth's Second team get their Marches League Division Two campaign under way against Luctonians Thirds at the Sports Ground on May 8.

And Monmouth's Sunday outfit, which will be captained this term by chairman Chris Brooks, start their season with a home friendly against neighbouring team Penallt this Sunday.

The club's outdoor nets are continuing on Thursday evenings at Monmouth School's Sports Complex from 6.30pm.