MONMOUTH crashed to a 36-run home defeat to Pedmore in a low-scoring clash in Division 2 of the Crusader Worcestershire County League. The Welshmen looked on course for their third successive win when they skittled out the Stourbridge side for 119 at the Sports Ground last Saturday. Jonathan Roberts bagged 5-43 from 14 overs and Ian Mackinlay weighed in with 3-25 as Monmouth dismissed the visitors in 40 overs. But Monmouth's batsmen were then blown away by Pedmore's South African recruit Andre Marais who took 7-26 in a devastating 13-over stint. Only Charlie Bye (18) and Martin Newell (18) reached double figures for Monmouth, who were shot out for just 83. The defeat was a huge disappointment for Monmouth who were bowled out for less than 100 on a number of occasions last season. Monmouth will be hoping for a much better performance at Herefordshire rivals Colwall this Saturday. Monmouth, who are sponsored by Misbah Tandoori Restaurant and the Priory Nursing Home, made a great start after winning the toss. The home side reduced Pedmore to 0-3 after Roberts had claimed the important wicket of opener Danny McDonnell, the Worcester City FC goalkeeper, for a duck. Only Stuart Bate (39) and Darren Freeman (32) made double figures for Pedmore, with Aled Jones (1-8 from six) and Tej Saran (1-13 from four) also taking wickets. In reply, however, Monmouth slumped to 15-4 against the seam bowling of Marais. There were three ducks in the Monmouth innings and the hosts were given late hope by Bye and Newell before losing their unbeaten record in the 26th over. The match balls were sponsored by club chairman Pat Baker and president John Wigmore. Defeat for 2nds Monmouth 2nds also lost, suffering a comprehensive six-wicket defeat at Pedmore 2nd in 2nd XI Division 2. Jag Saran, who was suffering with an ankle injury, starred with the bat for Monmouth with a well- struck 64 in his side's 208-8 from 50 overs. Twenty-six-year-old Saran collected nine boundaries in his excellent innings and he was backed up by skipper Gordon Grey (26), Dave Wilding (24 not out), Fin Williams (18) and Jon Despontin (14). Jordan Charles finished the innings with a flourish, striking a straight six in his boundary-laden 14. Despite Idris Leonard's valiant 3-69 from 17.2 overs, Monmouth's bowlers struggled to contain Pedmore, who reached the target in the 48th over. Wilding took 1-35 for Monmouth, while N Turnbull (83), T Weston (48) and M Rigby (31 not out) steered Pedmore to a convincing win. The match balls were sponsored by John and Hazel Shaw. Monmouth 2nd will be aiming to bounce back when they host Colwall 2nd at the Sports Ground this Saturday (1.30pm start). Jonathan Roberts who took 5 wickets for 43 runs for Monmouth in last Saturday's game against Pedmore.
