Monmouth march towards title glory (From Free Press Series)

Monmouth march towards title glory

MONMOUTH Cricket Club have one hand on the Flint & Cook Marches League Division 1 title after thrashing Llandrindod Wells by eight wickets on Saturday.

Title-favourites Monmouth set up their 12th league victory by skittling out the Spa club for a dismal 69, with visiting skipper Paul Swingwood bagging 6-38.

Now a win against Wellington Nomads this Saturday at the Sports Ground will guarantee Monmouth the championship for a second consecutive season.

The leaders immediately had Llandrindod Wells on the back foot on a wicket brought to life by heavy overnight rain.

Six-wicket Swingwood delivered a hostile 15-over spell, including six maidens, to which the Mid Wales outfit had little answer.

Man-of-the-match Swingwood was backed up by fellow opening bowler Ed Barlow (1-28 from 12 overs) in reducing the home side to 47-4 from 20 overs.

Only tail-ender A Cox (19), Alun Evans (18) and M Jones (13) made it into double figures for Llandrindod who plummeted to 68-7 in 27 overs.

The introduction into the bowling attack of leading wicket-taker David Teague had immediate reward and he took 2-1 from 2.5 overs.

There were excellent catches held by wicket-keeper Jonathan Davies, Rob Prewett, Swingwood and Teague as the home side were shot out in the 30th over.

Despite some accurate bowling from Sri Lankan all-rounder Kushan (0-20 from 14.5 overs), Monmouth's batsmen found no such demons in the drying pitch.

Although Dave Croudace (18) fell with the score at 35, followed by the prolific Teague for eight, Monmouth, who are sponsored by Misbah Tandoori Restaurant, cruised home.

Opener Prewett struck a patient unbeaten 23 from 83 balls and was joined at the crease by Wayne Etheridge (5 not out) in securing Monmouth's fifth league 'double' of the campaign in the 29th over. The match balls were sponsored by Hancocks of Monmouth and Alfie Goodrich.