South East Wales Cricket League Division Two - Monmouth (68-0) beat Ponthir (108 all out) by 10 wickets (DLS)

MONMOUTH Cricket Club managed to extend their lead at the top of Division Two of the South East Wales Cricket League on Saturday with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory over struggling visitors Ponthir.

On a day when heavy thunderstorms meant several of Monmouth’s title rivals had their fixtures either cancelled or abandoned, Monmouth, sponsored by Burkert Fluid Control Solutions, were indebted to groundsman Gordon Grey as well as the patience of both umpires and the opposition team for enabling the game to reach a conclusion.

Having won the toss Monmouth skipper Adam Roberts had no hesitation in bowling first given the forecast and heavy overhead conditions. Ponthir openers Jonathan Price (15) and wicket-keeper Toby Higgins (13) batted steadily early on putting on 37 for the first wicket before seamer Paul Swingwood (3-20 off 10) struck removing Higgins lbw. A clatter of wickets then fell and Ponthir were wobbling at 65-5 after 24 overs before the heavens opened and play was suspended for some two-and-a-half hours. After an early tea and an extensive mop up operation play resumed, but only Ponthir batsmen Declan Sims (16), Mark Harrold (10) and Dylan Smith (13) were able to reach double figures as Ponthir were shot out for just 108 in the 45th over. With the ball there were wickets for Alim Hansraj (3-20 off 10), leg spinner Sam Swingwood (1-32 off 10), Dave Teague (2-8 off 6) and James Taylor (1-5) to round off an impressive effort from Monmouth in the field. 

Following yet another stoppage for rain in between innings the game looked to be heading towards an abandonment, but with the showers stopping just in time Monmouth were set a recalculated target of 66 from 26 overs. As it transpired, openers Josh Grey (44 not out off 26 balls) and Sam Swingwood (14 not out off 20 balls) knew that they had to get on with things with yet more rain closing in and with several lusty blows from Grey in particular Monmouth were able to chase their target down in just 8.2 overs and just minutes before yet another heavy downpour that would have ended the contest.

Next Saturday Monmouth face one of their toughest away trips as they travel to St Melons-based Lisvane CC who currently lie in third place.