AN entertaining unbeaten last-wicket stand between Jake and Andy Bowley was the highlight of Monmouth Cricket Club second team's 42-run home defeat against Llantwit Fardre Seconds. Monmouth fielded just eight players, including young prospects Ben Hope and Sam Morgan, and the team should take the plaudits for their heroic efforts on a hot afternoon at the Sports Ground. In reply to Llantwit's 236-6, openers Hope (32) and Rick Parkes (24) gave Monmouth a solid start in last Saturday's Glamorgan and Monmouthshire 2nd XI Division Three fixture. Jake Bowley hit 53 not out and his father Andy blazed 52 not out, including six fours and three sixes, to propel the hosts to a very respectable 194-5. It was a traumatic afternoon for the club, who were heavily depleted by holidays, late withdrawals and children studying for exams. Parkes said: "We had just eight players in the field and only seven batting, including two youth players. Put in to field first, the eight of us never gave up. And, batting too, there were some pyrotechnics for the last-wicket partnership which meant we won batting points and it was a great performance in the circumstances." Jake Bowley claimed 2-42 from eight overs and Parkes took 2-46 from nine overs, as the visitors exploited the big gaps in the field. Andy Bowley took 1-35 from nine, while stand-in captain Luke Bowley bagged 1-37, young George Williamson conceded just 29 runs from seven overs, and Tom Jones shone in the field. Hornby (61), Howard (40) and Bluett (33) steered Llantwit to their 236-6 which proved a bit too many for Monmouth's heavily depleted side. Monmouth's 2nd team are urgently looking for players, aged 13 years old and upwards to bolster their senior section. Youth co-ordinator Jon Despontin said: "We don't ever want to repeat last weekend's stressful and difficult situation. We have a thriving junior section and we urgently need people to support the club at senior level." He added: "We can field children aged 13 years old and upwards in open-age cricket, provided they are capable and are given parental consent." Monmouth 2nd travel to Cardiff Gymkhana 2nd this Saturday. Anyone who would like to play senior cricket for Monmouth should call Jon Despontin on 07966 015609 or email [email protected]">[email protected] Meanwhile, Monmouth Cricket Club's members congratulate junior coach Paul Swingwood, who has passed his UKCC Level 2 certificate in cricket coaching. Gus Roberts has starred for Monmouth's youth section, striking 63 not out in Monmouth Under 15s' 48-run away win over their Abergavenny counterparts in the Monmouthshire Building Society Junior League Under 15 Premier Division.