South East Wales Cricket League

Division One

Chepstow 1sts (218-4) beat Croesyceiliog 1sts (217-9) by six wickets

WHAT a difference a week makes! After being on the wrong end of a record score at Sudbrook last week, Croesy put up stubborn resistance at Mathern Road on Saturday, writes Bob Cypher.

When they lost their openers without a run on the board, it looked like they might fall early, but Gareth Webber (40), Danny Evans (77) and Sam Saunders (40) had different ideas.

Rizan Mansoor had the visitors’ skipper Ryan Avery caught by Mitchell Harris and Chepstow’s skipper trapped Alex Barry lbw, but Webber and Callum Miles (14) resisted and slowly Croesy built a defendable total.

A further contribution of 26 from Stewart Roden, before being caught by Tim Rees off Sam Hope-Bell’s bowling, saw Croesy post 217-9.

All but one of Chepstow’s seven bowlers claimed victims with Mansoor accounting for two at a price of 22 runs with one maiden in his seven overs.

In reply, Hope-Bell batted superbly, making 86 before being caught by Adam Lasna off Avery’s bowling.

Mitchell Harris, in at Number 3, chipped in with 76 before being trapped lbw by Lasna.

The solid start left the way clear for Tyler Morgan-Huggett (15), Oliver Thornhill (11 not out) and Malith Madurasinghe to win the run chase with 10 overs to spare.

After the match Dobbie said he was pleased with another fine display by his men.

“It was fantastic to see Sam Hope-Bell and Mitch Harris carrying on their good form,” he added.

“We have a big game next week against Monmouth which I know the boys are very excited about because they are keen to target former Chepstow player Dave ‘Farmer’ Teague!”

Monmouth’s team could also include two other ex-Chepstow players, Jon Roberts and Paul Swingwood.