Away wins keep Monmouth on course (From Free Press Series)

Away wins keep Monmouth on course

MONMOUTH Cricket Club kept up their challenge to retain the title with two away victories over the weekend in the Flint & Cook Marches League Division 1.

David Teague (139) and Charlie Bye (133) both starred as Monmouth amassed a formidable 356-9 in a crushing 178-run win at Canon Frome on Saturday.

And the reigning league champions followed up that victory by beating newly-promoted Wellington Nomads by four wickets - with just seven balls to spare - in a tight game at Pencombe on Sunday.

In Saturday's run-feast at Canon Frome, Bye joined Teague at the crease with the total at 117-2 from 22 overs.

The pair proceeded to cane the bewildered Canon Frome attack to all parts of the ground and put Monmouth, sponsored by Misbah Tandoori Restaurant, firmly in charge.

The belligerent Bye blasted 13 fours and 10 sixes in a swash-buckling innings which saw him soar to his 50 off just 23 balls and secure his century off only 48 balls. He faced 59 balls in total.

Bye's superb onslaught brought back memories of his innings which helped Monmouth to land the Marches League Knockout Cup last season.

Teague, the former Glamorgan Seconds all-rounder, hammered nine sixes and 12 fours in a stunning knock. The former Newport player reached his 50 off 39 balls and brought up his hundred in 74 balls.

Bye and Teague rattled up a third-wicket partnership of 138 in just 10 overs and set up Monmouth's huge total. Opener Rob Prewett (25) was the only other Monmouth player to reach double figures.

Canon Frome, in response, slipped to 88-4 but eventually reached 178 before they were shot out in the 38th over. Jonathan Jones was Monmouth's most successful bowler, claiming 3-35, while Teague (2-20), skipper Paul Swingwood (1-18), Aled Jones (1-39) and Alex Richards (1-40) also chipped in. The match ball was sponsored by Bob's Restaurant.

The following day, N Price (75) starred with the bat as Wellington posted a challenging 202-9 from 45 overs.

Jonathan Jones, again, led the way, bagging 3-39 from seven overs and the all-rounder was supported by Teague (3-54 from 15) and vice-captain Roberts (2-41 from 10).

In reply, Prewett (58) and Dan Head (44) gave Monmouth a fine platform on which to build with an excellent opening stand of 84 in 25 overs.

The Wellington side fielded and bowled tidily which set up a tense finish, with Monmouth still needing 59 runs to win from the last 10 overs.

Although Dave Croudace (16) and Wayne Etheridge (9) were dismissed relatively cheaply, Teague and Swingwood (14) kept Monmouth up with the run rate.

Despite suffering from an injured finger, Teague kept his composure and hit a fine unbeaten 47 to guide the visitors to the target in 43.5 overs.

Teague sealed Monmouth's fifth successive win with a huge six over mid-wicket. The match ball was sponsored by Sheila Hyde.

Monmouth will be hoping to maintain their impressive start to the season when they host Llandrindod Wells at the Sports Ground, 2pm start.