South East Wales Cricket League Division Three - Monmouth CC First XI (259-7) beat Crumlin CC First XI (156 all out) by 103 runs

MONMOUTH Cricket Club went top of Division Three of the South East Wales Cricket League on Saturday after a convincing 103-run victory over previous leaders Crumlin, and in doing so avenged a 32 run defeat to last seasons Conference winners earlier in the season.

On a warm afternoon at the MCG with the ground bathed in sunshine, the visitors won the toss and chose to bowl first on what appeared an excellent looking wicket. Monmouth’s openers Matt Jones (55) and wicket-keeper Dave Croudace (29) made a solid start against the new ball building a decent platform as the score reached 55-0 off 12 overs before Croudace was caught in the deep off the bowling of Connor Hopkins (1-47). Stand-in captain Josh Grey was then given out caught behind and Monmouth knew a rebuilding job was necessary as the score drifted to 68-2 at the 17th over.

However, following the drinks break Monmouth upped the tempo with some ferocious hitting from in form Adam Roberts (52) and Tej Saran (35) taking Monmouth to a more respectable looking 160-3 at the 35 over mark. It was the introduction of new signing Tom Yallop that really pushed the innings on to another level. The former Swinbrook batsman hit a magnificent 50 not out off just 26 balls with six fours and two sixes. The Crumlin attack had no answer to the onslaught and Monmouth’s innings closed on a respectable looking 259-7 off their allotted 45 overs.

For the visitors there were wickets for David Evans (1-28), Ross Jolliffe (1-40), Joshua Evans (1-18), Connor Hopkins (1-47) and Ashley Randall (2-49). With the ball Monmouth knew they would have to be at their best, albeit against a side missing their star batsman Simon Veall who had hit 202 against the hosts earlier in the season. Crumlin’s innings got off to a strong start as they built a threatening looking platform, progressing to 73-0 in the 16th over before seamer Raj Kuttappu (3-27) removed opener Connor Hopkins for 28 thanks to a smart low catch by Martin Newell. Following that the visitors struggled to keep up with the required run rate, and when the dangerous looking Ryan Hayward was run out by Adam Roberts for a well made 38, Crumlin slipped to 126-5. Monmouth continued to apply the pressure and despite contributions from Dominic Green (23), Connor Williams (15) and Ross Jolliffe (11) the visitors crashed to 156 all out in just the 38th over. Monmouth’s bowlers can take much pride in their efforts with wickets for Alim Hansraj (1-37), Adam Roberts (3-15) and leg spinner Sam Swingwood (2-12) and they were superbly supported by Monmouth’s best fielding performance of the season with catches taken by Newell, Hansraj (2), Jones and Roberts (2) to earn a well deserved 20 points.

The result, coupled with Whitchurch’s match against Dinas being abandoned due to a serious injury, leaves Monmouth 13 points ahead at the top of Division Three, and 15 ahead of third placed Whitchurch Heath who they travel to next Saturday in another huge game in their promotion push. Anyone interested in playing cricket for Monmouth should send an email to