South East Wales Cricket League

Division 1

CHEPSTOW Firsts go into this Saturday’s crunch game against local rivals Sudbrook knowing that six points should be enough to clinch the title, writes Bob Cypher.

Ahead on net run rate, Chepstow cannot afford to ease off against third-placed Sudbrook who did them a favour at Mill Lane on Saturday by beating second-placed Pentyrch.

Chepstow had a great start in their match at Miskin Manor with brothers Sam and Ben Hope-Bell opening the innings.

The pair shared a 66-run stand before Sam fell, but with Carwyn James chipping in with 34 and Ollie Thornhill and skipper Jason Dobbie each ending 17 not out they easily passed Miskin’s total.

Dobbie won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first, Luke Watson making an early breakthrough by dismissing one the openers for three runs.

It wasn’t all plain sailing however as Miskin’s number three made 80 not out despite losing partners regularly.

Chepstow’s bowlers restricted their hosts with Malith Madurasinghe (3-31 and two maidens) and Ben Kellaway (3-36 and one maiden) taking the honours, denying Miskin the chance to build any significant partnerships with Robinson.

Dobbie was delighted with the win and excited about the prospect of taking the title this Saturday.

“It was a fantastic opening partnership between the Hope-Bell brothers,” he said later.

“It set up the win and makes next week's game against Sudbrook very exciting.”