TWO away matches this weekend could have a major bearing on Monmouth Cricket Club's Crusader Worcestershire County League Division 2 campaign. Monmouth travel to relegation-threatened Feckenham on Saturday and then third-placed Oldswinford on Bank Holiday Monday. The Welshmen know that victory over fellow strugglers Feckenham could safeguard their own future in Division 2. Lowly Feckenham have been in freefall since their narrow three-wicket victory over Monmouth on June 9 – and have not won since. Since that match the Worcestershire outfit have suffered six defeats and a losing draw as they have plunged to second bottom of the table. Oldswinford, on the other hand, have enjoyed considerable success since their promotion to Division 2 at the end of last season. Oldswinford, who beat Monmouth in May, have won eight matches this term and are just 16 points behind second-placed Netherton. Eighth-placed Monmouth, sponsored by The Priory Nursing Home and Misbah Tandoori Restaurant, are 36 points above the relegation zone with just four matches of the season remaining. Monmouth were left frustrated by the wet weather once again on Saturday when their home match against Coombs Wood was washed out by heavy rain. In fact, rain decimated the entire league programme and, for the third time this season, no matches were completed. Monmouth's Second team travelled to Coombs Wood last Saturday and, rather frustratingly, arrived at the Halesowen-based club at the same time as the rain. The Second team, sponsored by Alchemy Wealth Management Ltd, are hoping to get back to action this weekend when they entertain Feckenham Seconds on Saturday and then Oldswinford Seconds on Monday. Meanwhile, the club are now selling tickets for their fund-raising dinner in Monmouth on Friday, November 2. England and Gloucestershire cricketer Jon Lewis will be the special guest at the dinner being held at the Blake Theatre. Lewis is the Gloucestershire captain and has twice been the highest English-qualified wicket-taker in the County Championship. All those wanting a ticket or more information about the event, can contact Pat Baker 713748 (or e-mail: [email protected]">[email protected]) or secretary Mike Roberts on 716447 (or send an e-mail to: [email protected]">[email protected]).
