Monmouth Cricket Club 1st XI season took a massive step in the right direction with a close fought encounter with top of the table Droitwich.
Monmouth, who are sponsored by J.D.Weatherspoons and Misbah Tandoori Restaurant, were put in to bat with the top four of Dan Fisher (33), Andy McGuire (33), Wayne Etheridge (40) and Dave Teague (63no) all producing good innings. However, a late collapse of wickets meant Monmouth finished on a respectable 205 for 8 from 50 overs. Michael Rogers (3-63) and spinner Neil Davies (3-37) were the pick of the Droitwich bowlers.
In reply, Droitwich were unable to make a quick start with Jonathan Roberts (1-30) and McGuire (2-33) finding early movement off the pitch. A steady middle order partnership between Davies (46) and Neil (32) threatened to take Droitwich to victory. In the end, excellent bowing for Paul Swingwood (3-31) and Dan Fisher (2-9) took Monmouth to an unlikely victory.
Monmouth 2nd XI poor form continued as they were comprehensively beaten by Colwall.
Monmouth loss the toss and were inserted, with the innings struggling from the start. Only Dan MacDonald (57) and Robert Prewett (32) were able to get to grips with the Colwall bowlers as Monmouth's innings closed on 161 all out with 50 balls to spare.
In reply, wicket keeper J.Sheppard (56no) and P.Barnes (25) provided the perfect start for B.Ford to smash 70 not out. James Taylor (1-33) made the only breakthrough but Colwall ran away with a 9 wicket victory.
Meanwhile, Monmouth Sunday XI won a close game against a strong Rogerstone side. Andy McGuire and Tej Saran both struck fifties before Richard Shaw and George Salmon produced excellent bowling displays as Monmouth won by 15 runs.
Monmouth's Junior Sides suffered semi final cup heartache as the U13s lost to Hereford by 2 runs and the U15s lost to Ross by 9 wickets.