South East Wales Cricket League Division Three - Monmouth (295-2 dec) beat Machen (52 all out) by 243 runs

MONMOUTH Cricket Club’s First XI climbed to second place in Division Three of the South East Wales Cricket League on Saturday following an emphatic 243-run win over struggling Machen at the Sportsground.

With news filtering through in the morning that the much anticipated top-of-the-table clash between Crumlin and Sully had fallen victim to the heavy rain from the previous week meaning both sides receiving just five points each, Monmouth knew that they needed a maximum 20-point victory to climb into the promotion spots, and upon winning the toss captain Adam Roberts had no hesitation in batting first on an excellent-looking surface prepared by groundsman Gordon Grey.

The decision proved a smart one as openers Henry Breeze (48) and Matt Jones (120 not out) shared a 101-run opening partnership before Breeze fell to an excellent delivery from M.Nurse (1-66). In truth, Machen have lost several first team regulars throughout the season, and their bowling attack struggled to contain Jones in particular who merged outstanding stroke play with some brilliant running between the wickets (including the rare feat of an all-run five) in his 136-ball knock.

Jones was well supported by the hard hitting Josh Grey (100 off 61 balls) and the two amassed a 186-run partnership as the Machen bowlers were put to the sword and Monmouth reached 295-2 at the 42nd over before Grey was clean bowled by H.Jones (1-35) and the declaration came with Monmouth confident they had enough runs on the board and wary of any potential rain arriving.

Following the tea break Monmouth, sponsored by Burkert Fluid Solutions, continued their recent good form with the ball as only Machen opener Nick Hatton (15) really showed any resistance with the bat with no other visiting player able to reach double figures. It was a good all-round performance by Monmouth’s attack with wickets shared around for Paul Swingwood (2-7 from seven), Adam Roberts (1-16 from six) as well as spinners Alim Hansraj (3-14 from five), Wales U15 Ben Davies (2-10 from four) and Gloucestershire U14 Sam Swingwood (1-3) as Machen crashed to just 52 all out inside the 20th over.

The maximum 20 point haul sees Monmouth now three points ahead of Sully, and just 10 behind league leaders Crumlin, and with two games left their fate is now in their hands in the race for the promotion spots.

Next Saturday however, Monmouth face the stiff challenge of travelling away to fourth-placed Vale in what is yet another vitally important game for their season.