Aber thump league leaders (From Free Press Series)

Aber thump league leaders

ABERGAVENNY player-coach Keith Newell was full of praise for his side after Saturday's thumping win over league leaders Newport at Avenue Road declaring: "We're good enough to beat anyone on our day."

The former Glamorgan batter was thoroughly impressed with the way his men outclassed the Premiership title chases.

Another glorious innings from young batter James Hrastelj, who notched up 67 to make it 124 runs in just two outings for the 17-year-old, alongside Newell's commanding 88 n.o. powered Abergavenny to the win that not only dethrones Newport as league leaders, but also quashes their season-long unbeaten run.

Newell's men did the ground work early on containing Newport's points machine Glamorgan batter Ian Thomas. He could only manage 65 - well short of his century breaking form this term - before being cut to size by spinner Kyle Holmes.

"I told the lads to ride the wave with Ian and see what we can do. We bowled steady and got him out. It was then just as case of asserting the pressure on their other batters then, which we did," said Newell.

"It was a very good performance. Newport are riding high so to beat them is very pleasing. I'm delighted.

"I was particularly pleased with our fielding. We started the season terribly in that area, but have picked things up. It was an optimum performance from us on Saturday and we had the ability to surpass theirs."

Newport mustered 229-6 before Abergavenny's batters went about finishing the game off quickly and picking up maximum points reaching 230-3 with some ease.

"We are doing pretty well. The big thing for us now is to maintain this form. If Cardiff and Sully just drop some points here or there then the home games we have against them will be massive. If we turn them over then the it heats things up.

"That's all a long way down the line though. We mustn't get carried away with ourselves. Consistency is the key to winning this league both with your line-up and performance.

"We will suffer with our line up because of availability of certain players, but if we finish in the top four or five I well be really happy. In saying that this side is well capable of doing a lot better than that," said Newell. This Saturday Abergavenny are away at Pontypridd (1pm).

Free Press player of the month for April/May is Jonathan Newell. "He's bowled extremely well in four games this season and played some solid cricket," said Newell. Jonathan will receive a bottle of champagne from the Free Press.