A STUNNING counter-attack by Andy Bowley capped a number of game-changing moments as Monmouth Cricket Club's 2nd XI won a memorable game by three wickets at home to Brecon.

Batting first having won the toss, Brecon scored quickly from the off despite a threatening opening spell from Monmouth's Richard Shaw (3-27 from 8 overs).

Thereafter, Monmouth's experienced bowling attack probed without success on a batting-friendly pitch against a partnership of R. Pritchard (79) and S. Kenchington (84).

As a result Brecon progressed from 60-3 to 226 without further loss, threatening to put the game completely out of Monmouth's reach.

The partnership was broken when Kenchington was caught by A. Bowley from skipper Rick Parkes (2–19) who, with Jake Bowley (2–17), took late wickets and contained the run rate.

The bowlers were helped by strong fielding from Steve Morgan and L. Bowley, with catches for J. Bowley, wicket-keeper Jon Despontin and 12-year old Ben Pilot.

Nonetheless, at tea Monmouth faced a huge task to beat Brecon's 253–7 from 40 overs.

In reply, Monmouth's opener Ian Morgan (49) provided the anchor to an explosive innings from Martin Newell (34 from 19 balls) and quick-scoring Richard Shaw (46 from 64 balls), which gave Monmouth some hope.

Brecon took wickets at key moments that left Monmouth at 162-6 with eight overs remaining.

The stage was set however for Andy Bowley whose astonishing 64 from 33 balls included three sixes and eight fours, which transformed the game completely.

When he was stumped with two overs to go, there was still work to do with the home side trailing by 14 runs. However Aled Jones and Jon Despontin saw Monmouth to 255-7.