South East Wales Cricket League

Division One (Second XIs)

RELEGATION-threatened Sudbrook Seconds enjoyed a morale-boosting success against an Usk team forced to issue a “Your Club Needs You” social media appeal for players.

As it was, the team that arrived at Mill Lane was more like a youth squad with only three adults due to play.

After a fairly indifferent early spell in which both openers made steady starts, Sudbrook bowler Rob Simmonds shifted up a few gears and registered a career-best six-wicket haul for just 25 runs in his nine-over spell, which also contained a maiden.

“I started pretty poorly but suddenly it all clicked,” Simmonds said later.

Jon Clements (2-8) and Rob Thorn (2-18) chipped in with important wickets and Clements dived full-length to hold a catch to dismiss Usk’s top-scorer Matt Hancock (23).

Usk’s innings ended on 76 all out in the 27th over.

In reply, skipper Steve Comins (44 not out) and fellow opener Neil Pearson (28 not out) saw Sudbrook to a 10-wicket victory.

“We pulled off a magnificent win after struggling for the first half of the season,” Comins said later.

“After winning the toss, Usk decided to bat first and despite tight bowling by Harry Woodward in the early overs, we failed to make a breakthrough.

“But in the 11th over, Rob Simmonds found spectacular form, line and length, taking six wickets in four overs, reducing the visitors from 40-0 to 46-6.

“Chasing a small total, we started well and despite a couple of dropped chances we were rarely in difficulty.

“It was good to see a large number of youngsters taking part in both teams with great bowling performances by both Harry Woodward (Sudbrook) and Tom Welford (Usk).”