MONMOUTH CC 1st XI found themselves on the wrong end of an unwanted club record – after being shot out for just 28 by Whitchurch Heath in their South-East Wales League Division 2 clash.

Ben Lander’s depleted team were humbled by promotion-chasing Heath at the Sports Ground, just a month after amassing a club-record 386-5 against Creigiau.

Monmouth 1st XI’s previous lowest competitive total was 43 all out against Herefordshire visitors Luctonians in June 1994.

On that occasion, Luctonians’ left-armer Adrian Hope swung the ball with skill and accuracy to dismiss all 10 batters in a Marches League Division 1 fixture.

But Monmouth have been hamstrung by the departure of key first-team players, poor availability and injuries this season.

And the Bürkert Fluid Control Systems-sponsored team were outclassed in Saturday’s nine-wicket defeat.

No home player reached double figures in Monmouth’s lowest-ever total of 28, complied in 25.2 overs after winning the toss and batting first in damp conditions.

Monmouth opener Barry Jones top scored with seven, while the gritty Rick Parkes showed patience and defiance in his four not out from 55 deliveries.

Chris Vanos was the Cardiff club’s top bowler, taking 5-4 from six overs, and he was the only wicket to fall, claimed by Kit Skailes, when the visitors replied.

Ben McCluskey held a catch off the bowling of Skailes (1-6) in a match sponsored by Gwalia Consulting Limited.

Monmouth will be aiming to bounce back this Saturday when they travel to in-form Brecon (12.30pm start).

Meanwhile, a maiden club half-century from all-rounder Duncan Delreeve inspired Monmouth 2nds to a thrilling three-run win at Monkswood-Panteg Seconds in a rain-hit Division 9 clash.

He hammered nine fours and two sixes in his match-winning knock of 61 that propelled Monmouth to a competitive 140-9 off 35 overs.

Last-man Tony Brennan made a crucial unbeaten 23 and shared an unbroken 28-run 10th-wicket partnership with Paul Dunsford (6 not out).

Matthew Malson led Monkswood’s reply, hitting 44 not out, as the hosts remained in the contest and eventually required nine runs to win from the last over.

Stand-in captain Nick Robinson (1-21) kept his nerve and conceded just five runs from the final over to guide Monmouth to a memorable win – and a league double - as Monkswood closed on 137-4.

Tony Brennan (1-20 from seven overs), Tom Willgoss (1-21), Rob Pendleton (1-28 from seven), Delreeve (0-17 from seven) and Sam Brennan (0-20 from seven) all bowled superbly for Monmouth.

Wicketkeeper Simon Kidd, Dunsford, Sam Brennan and Willgoss took good catches, while opening bat Jim Barker also contributed, making 17, and there were assured fielding performances from newcomer Sam Howell and fourth-team skipper Helen McGloin.

The match was sponsored by The King’s Head Hotel – JD Wetherspoon, and the 2nds host Blaengarw at the Sports Ground this Saturday (12.30pm start).

Monmouth 3rds came up against a strong Pencoed 1st XI in Division 12 and were bowled out for 38, as they slipped to an eight-wicket away defeat on a damp afternoon.

Wicketkeeper Dannie Stone top-scored with 10, while Alun Jeremiah enjoyed a 17-over vigil at the crease before a spirited Monmouth, captained by rookie Pablo Nayager, were bundled out in the 25th over.

In reply, Nadia Mackey claimed an early Pencoed wicket, athletically caught at slip by debutant Tony Nayager.

Tony Nayager then capped his maiden appearance with his first wicket for the club thanks to a smart catch at square leg by Jeremiah.

The match was sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems. Monmouth 3rds host Hopkinstown Seconds at Chippenham fields this Saturday, while Monmouth 4ths are scheduled to travel to Chepstow 3rds in Division 13 East (12.30pm starts).

Monmouth CC hold their weekly training sessions for all seniors on Thursdays at the Sports Ground from 6pm.

To get involved, contact chairman Joe Atkinson by emailing [email protected] call him on 07502347780.