Monmouth ready for big battle (From Free Press Series)

Monmouth ready for big battle

TABLE-topping Monmouth Cricket Club travel to arch rivals Talgarth this Saturday in the Flint & Cook Marches League Division 1 match of the day.

Reigning champions Monmouth will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten record against high-flying Talgarth at the Mid-Wales Hospital ground.

Talgarth are now second in the league, following Goodrich's surprise defeat against Canon Frome a fortnight ago.

Monmouth's trip to Talgarth promises to be a lively affair with the champions knowing they must get to grips with their New Zealand professional Justin Love-grove and competitive all-rounder Glyn Harrhy.

Monmouth's hopes of notching up a seventh straight victory of the season against Glangrwyney last Saturday were washed out without a ball bowled.

Monmouth's last league game was a comprehensive victory over Llandrindod Wells on June 12, a match in which both David Teague and Rob Prewett hit centuries.

Vice-captain Jonathan Roberts said: "The next two weekends will have a huge bearing on what happens to our season.

"Talgarth are always a difficult side to beat on their own ground, but you look forward to these big matches. It is certainly the Marches League's match of the day."

Roberts went on: "We then host Goodrich at the Sports Ground on July 10 and that is another huge game for both teams. It's a local derby and I would imagine that both teams can't wait for that one."

Meanwhile, Monmouth's hopes of progressing to the third round of the Advantage Business Supplies Marches League Knockout Cup were hit by the wet weather.

Cup-holders Monmouth looked well placed after dismissing visiting Bosbury for 151 in their second-round tie on Sunday.

Monmouth, who are sponsored by Misbah Tandoori Restaurant, were looking forward to batting when heavy rain at tea forced the tie to be abandoned.

Bosbury were indebted to the former Bromyard duo of D Cooke (46) and Luke Ledbury (37) in taking the visitors to their respectable total.

Bosbury appeared on course for a decent total when they reached 112-4 from 30 overs but the villagers lost their way.

A tight bowling performance from skipper Paul Swingwood (1-10 from eight overs) and a good opening burst from Roberts (0-18 from eight) kept Bosbury pegged back.

Dave Croudace (3-11) was Monmouth's most successful bowler and he was backed up by Jon Jones (2-19), Teague (2-31) and Alex Richards (2-32). The match ball was sponsored by Jeff Mitchell Gent's Hairdresser.

The second-round tie will be replayed, again, at the Sports Ground when a date can be arranged, with the winners to meet either Shobdon or Wormelow.