MONMOUTH 1st XI returned to the top of the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division 3 on Saturday after a tense three wicket victory against Dinas Powys at the Sports Ground on Saturday.

The result saw Monmouth pick up a maximum 20 point haul and with Cardiff Gymkhana only picking up 17 points from their fixture at Llantwit Fadre, Monmouth regained top spot by the slimmest of margins with just three games remaining.

Monmouth lost the toss and were asked to bowl first on yet another excellent looking home wicket. The decision seemed to pay dividends for Dinas as they made a strong start with the bat, moving on to 116-1 at the 23 over drinks break with little trouble. After some stern words from captain Ben Turner, Monmouth turned their efforts around in the field, thanks to some economical bowling from Neil Smith (1-37) and Wales U13 spinner Ben Davies (2-27). Davies’ removal of the dangerous opposition captain Nathan Piddock for a well made 68 was a crucial moment, and led to the visitors sliding to a somewhat less imposing 155-7. With the ball Monmouth’s spinners Davies and Alim Hansraj (3-22) continually applied pressure and there were excellent catches taken by wicket-keeper Gareth Hughes (2), Josh Grey and Henry Breeze plus a sharp run out for Rajesh Kuttappu as only Jack Preston (35) offered any resistance in the Dinas lower order as the innings ended on 189 all out in the final over.

After the tea break, Monmouth got off to a poor start as stand in opener Matt Jones was removed for just one. From there on there were a string of starts for Monmouth’s batsman as Josh Grey (38), Henry Breeze (23), Dave Croudace (24), Ben Turner (16) and Jordan Charles (16) all failed to kick on. This left Monmouth struggling with chasing a below par total for the second week, running with the score precariously placed at 119-6 with Dinas firmly back in what was a topsy-turvy contest. However an outstanding counter-attacking innings from man of the match Alim Hansraj (35 not out) with strong support from former Malpas bowler Neil Smith (16 not out) saw a match winning 50 run eighth wicket partnership and took Monmouth to victory with just six balls spare, and in doing so kept their title dreams very much alive. Next Saturday sees Monmouth play their final home game of the season when they welcome Pentwyn in yet another must win game at the Sports Ground.