South East Wales Cricket League Division One (Second XI) - Chepstow Second XI (212-9) beat Sudbrook Second XI (194 all out) by 18 runs

LEAGUE leaders Chepstow Seconds kept their title challenge on track with a win over local rivals Sudbrook at the weekend, virtually ending defending champions Sudbrook’s hopes of retaining their crown.

But, as Chepstow vice-captain Jon Huws said later, his players were in a determined mood when they arrived at the Mathern Road ground.

“The lads knew the importance of the match and showed up in a very focused mood,” Huws said.

“We were soundly beaten at Sudbrook earlier in the year and felt we didn’t do ourselves justice that day. We were eager to make amends.”

After winning the toss, Huws explained why he decided to bat first.

“We know Sudbrook have some high-quality batsmen so a good score was crucial,” Huws said.

Chepstow started well but Sudbrook bowled accurately to well-set fields and pegged back the home side in the middle overs.

Home opener Jamie Rayner went for 40 and although number three Tuhin Gavand (26) and Zak Watson (32) departed, Rayner’s partner Luke Watson anchored the innings with 51.

“We were unable to kick on, thanks to some high quality fielding from Sudbrook,” Huws admitted.

But Lewys Jones (17 not out) helped Chepstow past 212-9, a total that Huws realised was only a par score at best.

“We knew we would have to bowl very well to win,” he said.

Rizan Mansoor opened the bowling and bowled quickly giving nothing away while, at the other end, Luke Watson bowled a very hostile spell and made the breakthrough with the wicket of Tom McLaren.

“I brought on Lewys Jones and he bowled a superb spell showing great control while generating a lot of turn and bounce, taking the wicket of Kel Stevens (30) while, at the other end, Cam Rees had Greg Shaw caught by Rizan Mansoor for 28.”

With the required run rate rising, Tuhin Gavand and Will Durbin took advantage, with three and two wickets respectively.

Gavand (3-21) had Rhys Pescod stumped by Huws for 27 and Joe Bajjada caught by Mansoor for 15 while Durbin (2-24) ended Matthew Burton and Rob Simmonds’ efforts.

“ I brought Luke and Rizan back at the end and despite some late hitting Luke closed out the game with two more wickets, Sudbrook finishing on 194,” Huws added

“I was really pleased with the way the lads responded after we were disappointed with our batting display.

“All the bowlers were superb and it was good to see the younger players keep their composure as the game became tight. We need to keep this momentum going as we play Radyr next week.”