South East Wales Cricket League

Division 1

JUST two matches involving Monmouthshire clubs survived the weekend’s weather, producing one win and one defeat, writes Bob Cypher.

The victory was earned by Usk whose South African paceman Mika Ekstrom claimed the wickets of Blackwood Town openers Andrew Clark (11) and Rob Birch (30).

Following the retirement of injured Keiran Rowe without scoring, Andi Price chipped in with 27 runs, but in a match reduced to 20 overs, Blackwood’s innings ended with the score on 84-5.

Ekstrom took 2-11 with one maiden in his four overs and Neil Perrett took 2-14 in his four overs.

In reply, openers Matt Hancock and Olly Robson saw the home side through to 85 with Hancock hitting 54 not out in 41 balls and Robson making 28 not out from 17 deliveries giving Usk a 10-wicket victory.

Meanwhile, at Pentyrch, Monmouth 1sts won the toss and decided to field in a 20 overs match.

Pentyrch made 154-6 in their innings and then restricted Monmouth to 101-9 to win by 53 runs.

The result meant Pentyrch moved closer to leaders Chepstow whose match at Brecon was a victim of the weather.

This Saturday, Chepstow are home to Abergavenny while Sudbrook visit Monmouth.

In Division 4, Chepstow Seconds set Pentyrch Seconds a total of 180-0 at Mathern Road and then bowled out the visitors for 62 in 14.4 overs.

Openers Jamie Rayner (82 not out) and Aaron Jones (79 not out) set a tough total with some fine batting and then Amit Kriplani (4-12), Ollie Rayner (2-16) and Cam Rees (2-24) did the main damage with only one Pentyrch batsman managing a double-figure score.

Undy & Magor’s match at Mountain Ash and Sudbrook Seconds’ match at Upper Rhondda also fell to the weather.