South East Wales Cricket League Division Three - Monmouth CC (160-6) beat Vale CC (159 all out) by four wickets

MONMOUTH Cricket Club climbed to third place in the league on Saturday, overtaking their visitors with a four wicket win.

On a warm and muggy day, Vale won the toss and elected to bat first on what appeared a good looking surface at the Sportsground. In reality however, and somewhat unusually for a Monmouth wicket, the bounce and carry proved very uneven early on as the Vale batsman struggled against the seam attack of Paul Swingwood (2-26) and Adam Roberts (1-27).

The home side remained largely in control as they varied their bowlers with only JP Davies (23) and the excellent James Snelson (55 not out) causing Monmouth any real issues as the visitors slipped to 110-7 at the 30 over mark thanks to the excellent bowling from Wales under 15 left arm spinner Ben Davies (3-33) and medium pacer James Taylor (3-29).

Vale managed some late order resistance through Cardiff and Vale youngster Alex Upham (15) and the hard hitting Snelson, but after Upham was out caught-and-bowled by Alim Hansraj (1-19) and Thomas bowled by Swingwood, their innings closed in the 42nd over on what appeared a slightly below par 159 despite the tricky nature of the playing surface. In the field for Monmouth there were catches for Josh Grey, James Taylor and Ben Davies and a welcome return for both Tom and Oliver Vickers who fielded very smartly.

In reply Monmouth, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Solutions, seemed to get the better of the wicket as it flattened out considerably, yet still suffered the early loss of Tom Vickers (2) and Dave Croudace (9) to see the side in a nervy position of 43-3 after 13 overs. However the returning Josh Grey (24) and skipper Adam Roberts (74 not out) steadied the ship before Grey fell to an excellent delivery from James Thomas (1-20). For the visitors spinner Matthew Williams (2-18) bowled with great control and accuracy, and there were wickets for JJ Davies (1-46) and James Snelson (2-15) but in the end Monmouth reached their target in the 38th over thanks to contributions from Ollie Vickers (18) and Paul Swingwood (14) plus some hefty blows for Roberts to give Monmouth the much needed 20 points and put them right back in the mix for the race for promotion places.

Next Saturday is the half way point of the season and Monmouth host Barry Wanderers at the MCG, 1pm start and all spectators are most welcome.