A SEVEN-wicket haul from Jonathan Roberts could not save Monmouth Cricket Club from a 69-run defeat at high-flying Romsley & Hunnington in Division 2 of the Crusader Worcestershire County League.
Seam bowler Roberts snapped up 7-32 from 11.4 overs and helped to dismiss second-placed Romsley for 162 in last Saturday's clash.
But the West Midland club's bowlers also found the favourable conditions to their liking and shot out Monmouth for a disappointing 93.
Monmouth's batsmen struggled to make a significant contribution and six visiting players fell leg before wicket as the pitch deteriorated.
Monmouth, who are sponsored by JD Wetherspoon and Misbah Tandoori Restaurant, made a superb start after winning the toss.
The visiting attack, led by on-song Roberts, made early inroads into the Romsley batting line-up.
Only S Randall (42), R Hamblet (33 not out) and P Pickering (28) offered prolonged resistance for the villagers against a spirited Monmouth bowling performance.
Tej Saran (2-18 from seven overs) and Paul Swingwood (1-30 from seven) also picked up wickets, while Andy McGuire (0-12 from seven) and Teague (0-16 from nine) delivered miserly spells. Teague also claimed three catches.
Monmouth's innings started promisingly through captain Dan Head (15) and McGuire (12) before the promotion-chasing North Worcestershire outfit took control.
Dave Croudace (23) and schoolboy Josh Grey (13) were the only other Monmouth batsmen to reach double figures in a below-par reply.
Richard Beaumont (5-14), Paul Morgan (3-22) and Ryan Beaumont (2-27) combined to seal Monmouth's fate in the 39th over.
The match balls were sponsored by Clarke Printing at The Town Wall and Dave Willett gentlemen's hairdresser.
Monmouth are now seventh in the division and host bogey team Netherton at the Sports Ground this Saturday (1.30pm start).
Relegation-threatened Netherton are one-from-bottom and 37 points adrift of Monmouth.
Meanwhile, Adam Roberts cracked a superb unbeaten century in Monmouth 2nd's eight-wicket home win over struggling Oldswinford 2nd in Division 2 2nd XI.
In reply to Oldswinford's 169-8, Roberts dominated the Monmouth innings last Saturday and belted 128 not out to sweep the hosts to victory in the 35th over.
Man-of-the-match Roberts was given support by fellow opener Jonathan Jones (24) as seventh-placed Monmouth romped to their sixth win of the campaign.
Earlier, P Addis (77 not out) had been the mainstay of the respectable total posted by bottom-of-the-table Oldswinford.
All-rounder Roberts (2-28 from 10) impressed with the ball for Monmouth, while skipper Martin Newell (2-48) picked up a couple of wickets.
Idris Leonard (1-32 from 17) delivered a fine spell and contributed a run-out and the returning Gareth Hughes took 1-5 and held a catch.
The match balls were sponsored by Nigel Morris Cleaning Ltd and Brian Williams' watch and clock repairs.
Monmouth 2nd's travel to Pershore 2nd's for another important league match this Saturday.