South East Wales Cricket League

Division One (Second XIs)

CHEPSTOW Seconds’ captain praised his young players after clinching the Division One title, with three games left to play, by beating Usk Seconds at Mathern Road, writes Bob Cypher.

Jubilant skipper Jon Huws said the young players in the team provided the highlights in the success.

“Mike Burger, who is 14 and was making his debut for the Seconds, opened the batting and scored an incredibly mature 25,” Huws said.

“Mike battled on after taking a few heavy blows to the body on a pitch where scoring was not easy.

“He and Jamie Rayner set up the game for us when we hadn't lost a wicket for the first 25 overs, allowing the rest of our batting line-up to play freely knowing we had wickets in hand.

“We eventually made 201, which was probably worth a lot more due to the slow nature of the pitch.

“In reply, Usk were bowled out for 126 and again the highlight came from a young player.

“Ben Kellaway, 13, grabbed his first five-for wicket haul with a skilful display of medium-pace bowling.

“The opposition found him very difficult to get away.

“And 12-year-old Ollie Rayner also picked up two wickets in an excellent spell in only his second game for the Seconds.

“It was a very satisfying way to seal the league title with our youth players putting in strong performances as they have all year.”

Meanwhile, Chepstow Firsts enjoyed a 95-run success at Usk and leapfrogged Sudbrook into fourth place behind Newbridge, Malpas and Brecon.

Despite the early loss of opener Carwyn James, Gareth Ansell (61) and Mitchell Harris (73) steered Chepstow to a strong position, assisted by some wayward bowling that produced a total of 37 extras throughout the innings.

“We got off to a good start with Gareth and Mitchell and at 130-1 off 26 overs, both looked set and a big total looked possible,” said Chepstow’s Malith Madurasinghe.

“But when they were out, we lost wickets regularly and limped to 255.

“However, all our bowlers bowled well to contain Usk’s response.

“Jason Dobbie opened the bowling with his left arm spin to set the tone with four cheap wickets and that put us in the driving seat.”

Dobbie took the bowling honours with 4-26 with four maidens in his 10-overs spell while Harris (2-32-2-8) and Madurasinghe (2-8 in just 16 deliveries) mopped up the tail as Usk’s challenge ended on 160 all out.