Aber IIs defy rain to secure good win (From Free Press Series)

Aber IIs defy rain to secure good win

With a delayed start due to rain, the toss was always likely to be important, and Usk IIs got the break and stuck Abergavenny IIs in, in a match reduced to 40 overs a side.

Brown and Wallace made light of the conditions, Brown hitting some cracking lofted drives for boundaries. With the score at 45, Wallace was first out with an easy caught and bowled by Cook.

Jonathon Viveash came to the crease and he and Brown continued to build a healthy score. Brown completed his 50 with a fine straight six off Rees, as they took the total past 100. Perrett's leg spin slowed the scoring, until Viveash (23) went, attempting to gain back the initiative.

Alan Dewfield then fell in the next over for a duck, as the home side tried to score quickly.

Brown fell for 73 caught and bowled by Perrett, who also picked up two more wickets.

With overs running out, the home side managed to post a respectable 190 off their 40 overs, with Skelton (16), Coles (14), and Lee Fury (13no) all making useful contributions.

In reply, the Beavers got off to a flying start with a wicket apiece for Fury and Skelton.

Usk were on the back foot, with Lee Fury conceding only 20 runs off his eight overs, and Skelton just 8 off his spell of five overs.

Both Andy Timpson, and spin apprentice Mark Coles continued to apply the pressure as the required rate rose. Mark Coles made the next breakthrough, getting an easy catch for Sam Timpson.

Andy Timpson then replied immediately with a wicket of his own, getting Wilson stumped by Wallace as Usk started to take chances.

Rees and Chalker briefly gave Usk some hope, but two wickets in an over for Coles left the away side reeling. Beacham picked up 3 quick wickets including the danger man Rees.

Beavers skipper Mark Winstanley got his bowlers to rush through the last ten overs to ensure the weather didn't deny his side the deserved victory, as Usk struggled to 143/9.