Chepstow CC 272-7

Sudbrook CC 195 all out

CHEPSTOW Cricket Club rounded off their season by doing the double over their local rivals Sudbrook, beating them by 77 runs.

But while his side celebrated, spare a thought for Chepstow opener Gareth Ansell whose hopes of finishing the season with a maiden century for the club were dashed when, on 94, he was caught and bowled by Mark O’Leary.

Ansell missed out again earlier in the season when he was poised to achieve his maiden century but was foiled as a teammate took the strike.

Despite the disappointment, Ansell was philosophical, saying the season was memorable for winning the title.

“I’m obviously disappointed after coming close earlier in the season,” he said.

“But I’m happy to have contributed to such a good season for the club.

“It’s been that sort of season where everyone has contributed a match-winning performance at some point and it’s been great to be a part of it.”

Although he may have missed out on the personal milestone, Ansell will have learned a lot from his vastly-experienced opening partner Carwyn James, who has contributed 794 runs at an average of 61 in 14 matches this season.

After James departed for 40, caught by Bradley Bates off Martin Norton, Chepstow lost four wickets while adding only 24 runs but Mitchell Harris joined Ansell at the crease and they steadied the ship.

Harris left when he was caught by Ian Simmonds off Mark O’Leary’s bowling, but by then he had contributed a vital 53 runs and David Monk (34 not out) and Malith Madurasinghe (15 not out) steered Chepstow to 272-7 from their 50 overs.

Norton ended with figures of 4-37 from his ten overs.

In reply, Sudbrook opener and skipper Ross Lewis was trapped leg before wicket by his counterpart Jason Dobbie after contributing 29, leaving Micky Martin (24) at the crease.

After losing Matthew Kinchin cheaply, Lewis Morgan made 44 and, at 113-4, Sudbrook needed someone to take on the responsibility of scoring,

Although the next four batsmen made double-figure starts none were able to take them on and Sudbrook’s challenge fizzled to 195 all out.

David Teague was Chepstow’s main bowler, taking 4-44 with one maiden while Madurasinghe and Harris mopped up the tail-enders.

Chepstow’s skipper Jason Dobbie paid tribute to the youngsters in his championship-winning team.

“It’s been a brilliant season for the boys and an excellent team atmosphere was built throughout,” he said.

“It was excellent to see the young players come to the forefront this year which makes things look good for the future.”