South East Wales Cricket League

Division 1

Chepstow 1sts (186-7) lost to Pentyrch 1sts (190-3) by seven wickets

CHEPSTOW’S promotion hopes hang by a single thread following this home defeat by their closest rivals, writes Bob Cypher.

In a match reduced to 45 overs following a heavy shower, Chepstow suffered early setbacks thanks to two catches and two lbw decisions.

Carwyn James was going well at a run-a-ball when he was given out leg before on 27, but partners Gareth Ansell, Sam Hope-Bell and Mitchell Harris all fell cheaply.

Ollie Thornhill dug in and made a spirited 30, including a maximum, as he and skipper Jason Dobbie took the score from 51 to 125.

Dobbie was on 34 at the time but three low double-figure scores by his partners left him no option but to take risks and one too many saw him run out by a long-distance potshot which scattered the stumps.

In reply, Pentyrch opener Lewis Coates (69 not out) was well supported by Jamie Mills, Brett Hole (45) and Stuart Roberts (27), before he and Todd Wilcox (17 not out) saw the visitors through.

Chepstow earned three batting points and one bowling point but Pentyrch gained 18 points - including 10 for the victory - and are now just one point behind.

Chepstow now need to win at Miskin Manor this Saturday and hope rivals Sudbrook can do them a favour by beating Pentyrch at Mill Lane.

But the crunch will come seven days later when Sudbrook are at Chepstow and Pentyrch are away to Croesyceiliog.