A DECISION to declare the Monmouth innings after 48 overs proved costly and they suffered a damaging three-wicket home defeat to lowly Avoncroft in Division 2 of the Crusader Worcestershire County League. Skipper Dan Head called time on the Monmouth innings after the home team had amassed 264-6 after 48 overs in last Saturday's clash at the Sports Ground. Head's decision gave Avoncroft two extra overs in which to reach the target and, of course, more time for Monmouth's bowlers to dismiss the visitors. However, the Monmouth captain's ploy, to encourage Avoncroft to chase the runs rather than batting out for a draw, ultimately backfired. Monmouth's bowlers struggled despite the efforts of leading wicket-taker Jonathan Roberts (3-84 from 19 overs). Avoncroft batsmen Cox (79), James (71) and Apperley (50 not out) all weighed in and sealed a remarkable victory for the visitors in 49.3 overs. Monmouth, who are sponsored by Misbah Tandoori Restaurant and The Priory Nursing Home, have now slipped to fifth place in the division. Earlier in the day, Australian Jamie Craig led the way for Monmouth with an excellent knock of 68 not out. He was supported by David Teague (58), Charlie Bye (43), Head (29 not out) and Wayne Etheridge (17) as Monmouth scored well on a green pitch. But Avoncroft also batted well on their maiden visit to the Sports Ground to leave Monmouth without a league win since May 31. The match balls were sponsored by John and Hazel Shaw and Jason Price Electricals. Monmouth have now reached the half-way mark in the league season and host improving Alvechurch this Saturday, hoping for their first double of the campaign. Meanwhile, fast-bowler Max Harris snapped up 7- 64 to fire Monmouth Seconds to an exciting 24-run win at high-flying Hagley Seconds in 2nd XI Division 2 last Saturday. In reply to Monmouth's 231-8, Hagley struggled against the pace of man-of-the-match Harris and were soon in trouble at 68-5 from 15 overs. But the home side staged a superb recovery through Harry Hambleton (50) and Steve Williams (49) who shared a 103-run stand for the sixth wicket in 19 overs. Monmouth claimed the sixth wicket with Hagley at 171 in the 34th over and it proved decisive because the Midland club were eventually bowled out for 207 in 45 overs. Harris finished with outstanding figures of 7-64 from 15 overs, while Tej Saran bagged 2-28 and skipper Gordon Grey, 1-19. Good catches were taken by Jon Despontin (2), Dan Risk and Martin Newell. Earlier, a match-saving 83-run partnership for the seventh-wicket between wicketkeeper Despontin (57) and captain Gordon Grey (53 not out) helped Monmouth to reach their competitive total. Monmouth had slipped to 139-6 in 31 overs before Despontin, who hit seven fours and a six, and Grey, who collected eight boundaries, resurrected the innings in their 18-over stand. Disappointingly, Jag Saran (28), Ian Morgan (24) and Newell (24) were all dismissed after they had made starts, while Hambleton (4-49) impressed for Hagley Monmouth Seconds picked up a maximum 24- point haul and have moved up to seventh place in the table. The match balls were sponsored by Dorothy Roberts and Nigel Morris Cleaning. Monmouth Seconds travel to high-flying Bromyard Seconds this Saturday and will be aiming to continue their recent revival.
