Jones is a true run machine (From Free Press Series)

Jones is a true run machine

ABERGAVENNY'S in-form batsman Andrew Jones might not be available for all of his club's games this season, due to work commitments, but when he does play, you really have to wonder who'll be able to beat them.

The Mon-mouth Compre-hensive School sports teacher hit an incisive 115 not out against Chep-stow on Satur-day, rallying his side to their second win of the campaign - the first since the season's opening victory over Usk.

Chepstow had put a useful 189-9 on the scoreboard despite being bruised by bowlers Gavin Heritage 3-33 and James Didcote 3-53.

Jones, though, made light work of the target with a sublime display of batting showmanship at the crease.

"Andrew Jones is someone we will miss when he does not play," said player-coach Keith Newell, after chipping in with 37 runs himself in the eight wicket win.

Newell went on, "I'm looking forward to it when he does. He's a fantastic player and a match-winner.

"We've got the back-up there for when he's missing, but he's one of those quality players you'd give your right arm to have every week,"

Newell, a former Glamorgan batsman had targeted the Chepstow game as a must-win match, following back-to-back defeats against South Wales Premiership front runners Sully and Cardiff.

Saturday's win then was very much a case of mission complete.

"We did what we set out to do. Chepstow are one of those sides we had to beat," said Newell.

"There are little leagues inside the Premiership itself. Everyone knows who are the top two teams who will be fighting for the championship (Cardiff and Sully) and who will be there in mid-table and at the bottom. I think we are one of the higher mid-table sides.

"We have some good players and should do well against the lower sides. It's side like Chepstow we need to beat to makes things comfortable in the latter stages of the season." Newell, though, admitted he still has some concerns with the side.

"Fielding is still pretty poor," he said. "Our bowlers are bowling well and have done so, so far this season, but they are not getting the support from the fielders.

"It's little things like players losing concentration and position. They can't be taught that, it's just down to mental attitude.

"Our bowlers did very well once again. They kept the rein tight on Chepstow and held them to a low score. Our batsmen then finished them off with some sensible batting, which is something they haven't done this season, so that was pleasing."

Newell will be looking to make it two wins a row away at Panteg this Saturday, as Abergavenny aim to maintain a comfortable mid-table position in the Premiership.

But they will be without Andrew Jones, John Phillips and Jonathan Newell for the match, due to other commitments.