CHEPSTOW CC’s Welsh Cup adventure ended on Sunday when they lost to Premier League side Panteg by 23 runs at Mathern Road, writes Bob Cypher.

Panteg skipper John Glover won the toss and decided to bat first, taking the fight to the home side with an unbeaten 109.

Despite losing fellow opener Rhys Salkeld cheaply, Daniel Wilkinson (63) kept the scoreboard ticking and set Chepstow a target of 222-4 to beat.

In reply, Gareth Ansell was unable to repeat his 129-run performance in the previous day’s victory at Division 1 leaders Newbridge but his opening partner Carwyn James dug in and made 103 before being stumped by Panteg keeper Tom Westwood.

Tyler Morgan-Huggett contributed 26 but apart from skipper Jason Dobbie’s 15 runs, none of the other batsmen made double-figure scores and the innings ended on 199 all out.

Despite the defeat, the club is celebrating after two excellent individual batting performances clinched a double victory over title rivals Newbridge despite losing a number of players.

The absence of four first team regulars rippled down through the lower teams with four promoted from the Seconds, which, in turn, turned to the Thirds for replacements.

Ansell returned to wicket-keeping duties following injury to set up a victory that puts extra pressure on leaders Newbridge.

In what was described by all-rounder Tyler Morgan-Huggett as a “fantastic game” the batsmen gave the bowlers a total to defend.

“We took wickets steadily and it started to get very tense towards the end,” he said. “With Newbridge piling on the pressure, looking like they could win the game, we kept our nerve and the effort from the boys was brilliant to see the game through.

“Gareth played a fantastic innings with a fine selection of shots without giving a single chance until he fell on 129.”

Ansell said he had felt “quite good” on a flat pitch.

“We had to apply ourselves and I’m really happy with the way the boys are playing,” he added.

“Hopefully, this win will put some pressure on Newbridge and we can really challenge for the league.

“I’ve been out for quite a few weeks with a broken ankle so it was nice to contribute to a big win.”