MONMOUTH remain fourth in Division 2 of the Crusader Worcestershire County League after heavy rain intervened in their top-of-the-table clash at Colwall. Nick Panniers (96) and Tim Riley (67) put on 107 runs for the second wicket and were instrumental in Colwall's 263-7 from 50 overs last Saturday. Monmouth were 25-0 after nine overs in reply, with Dan Head on 13 not out and Ian Morgan unbeaten on nine, when rain forced an abandonment of play at Stowe Lane. Earlier, Jonathan Roberts was the pick of the Monmouth attack, taking 3-29 from nine overs, while Tej Saran picked up 2-74 and was responsible for the run-out of Panniers. Monmouth's Australian recruit Jamie Craig bagged 1-33, while good catches were taken by Charlie Bye and Paul Swingwood. Monmouth, who are sponsored by Misbah Tandoori Restaurant and the Priory Nursing Home, picked up eight points from the match, with third- placed Colwall, nine. The match balls were sponsored by Specsavers Monmouth and life-member Ian Bowen. Monmouth will be hoping to secure their first home win of the season on Saturday when they host Lye before travelling to Feckenham on Bank Holiday Monday. Monmouth Seconds are still looking for their first win of the season after crashing to a nine-wicket home defeat to Colwall Seconds in 2nd XI Division 2 last Saturday. Jag Saran (41), Rick Parkes (30) and skipper Gordon Grey (26) were the leading run-getters in Monmouth's disappointing 144 all out in 48.5 overs. Lee Hankins (71 not out), Tom Coleman (36) and M Shouler (24 not out) then led Colwall to a crushing victory in the 34th over. The returning Tom Baker took the Colwall wicket to fall and finished with 1-20 from seven overs. The match balls were sponsored by Jason Price Electricals and Mrs Bernice Slocombe. Monmouth Seconds travel to Old Swinford Seconds on Saturday and then host Feckenham Seconds at the Sports Ground on Bank Holiday Monday.
