MONMOUTH CC Third XI put up another fighting performance at Penallt on Saturday, but went down to third placed Bream with just a handful of overs to spare.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, skipper Liam Stubbs (44) was part of two good partnerships with veteran Gordon Grey (44) and vice captain Neil Saunders (28). Despite a healthy looking base, Monmouth’s innings lost its way towards the end, with wickets tumbling in consecutive overs. A late flurry from Greg Thomas and Ben Burnett saw Monmouth to 159-7 off their 40 overs.
Monmouth struck early with the ball, as Tony Brennan removed opener Millin with a smart catch by debut wicketkeeper Nick Holt. After Saunders dismissed Mike Walby for a single, Grey took two quick wickets, one to an excellent catch by 15-year-old George Burnett, a young player quickly gaining a reputation for excellent fielding. At 27-4, Monmouth looked like gaining a surprise win, but Bream captain Andy Blake and his deputy Chris Farr survived chances off newcomers Pete Simmons and under 13 debutant Angus Whitehead to see Bream home with a century stand.
Monmouth Third XI, sponsored by Ancre Hill Vineyards, travel to bottom placed Dymock next Sunday.