South East Wales Cricket League

Division One

Sudbrook 1sts 85ao lost to Newbridge 86-6 by four wickets

ANY hopes Sudbrook Firsts had of lifting the Division One title were blown away in 25 overs at Mill Lane on Saturday when they crumbled to 85 all out against visiting leaders, Newbridge, writes Bob Cypher.

The visitors showed from the start that they were in no mood to lose and their celebrations as wicket after wicket tumbled rang around an almost deserted ground.

Sudbrook were skittled out in the 26th of the allotted 50 overs but, to be fair to the home side, they made their conquerors work for the victory.

Chasing the modest target, Newbridge lost wickets early on and only reached their goal after six batsmen had returned to the pavilion.

“Losing by four wickets is a lot better than losing by 10,” quipped Firsts’ skipper Jamie Watkins later.

“After losing an important toss and being asked to bat first we starting relatively well reaching 25 without losing a wicket, but when opener Greg Shaw was dismissed for 12 we lost wickets at regular intervals slumping from 58-2 to 69 - 8 with only Jon Lewis (23) and Mitchell Slape (15) offering any resistance as we were bowled out for 85. Needless to say it was well short of a competitive total.

“Coming out to field we were determined not to roll over and allow Newbridge to win the game comfortably.

“Jon Lewis bowled well up front taking 2-20 off six overs and Scott O'Leary took 3-11 as Newbridge reached the target.

"The defeat ends our faint hopes of the title, but we still have three games to go and we will be looking to bounce back strongly when we travel to Malpas on Saturday, and hope to pick up some wins in the remaining fixtures to finish as high up the league as possible.

“It was pleasing to see us field and bowl well in the second half of the match, but again our batting wasn't up to scratch and fell well short of a defendable total.”

Meanwhile, in the reverse fixture, Newbridge Seconds also won the toss and elected to bat first on a good wicket with a soft, slow outfield.

“It was one of our better bowling and fielding performances,” said acting captain Steve Cumins, after his team were all out for 83.

“We restricted Newbridge to 151-8 thanks to Rob Supple who took 3-20 in eight overs. Only one batsman really challenged us, making 38.

“But when we batted, a couple of silly run-outs hit us hard.

“Will Supple was going well but was struck by the ball thrown in hard by a fielder and had to retire hurt having made 15.”