A SUPERB all-round display from Ben Pilot fired joint-leaders Monmouth 1sts to a 47-run victory at Hopkinstown in South East Wales 6 on Saturday.

The man-of-the-match cracked 91 and then took 3-17 from eight outstanding overs to steer Monmouth to their third triumph of the campaign in Pontypridd.

Pilot hit top gear in Monmouth’s 267 all out in 36 overs, after a brisk opening stand from former skippers Matt Jones (25) and Gareth Jones (19).

Ben Lander (41) kept up the fast scoring-rate before Harry Desroy (21), captain Peter Keay (16) and William Wilton (11) weighed in.

After the interval, quick bowler Eddie Atkinson snapped up 3-59 in his first appearance of the summer, to put Monmouth in the driving seat.

Pilot’s three-wicket stint maintained the visitors’ control and with Desroy (2-30-7), and spinner Gareth Jones (2-48) also chipping in, the villagers were dismissed for 220 in the 36th over.

Wilton held two catches, while Gareth Jones, Lander and wicketkeeper Will Hickmott also pouched catches for Monmouth, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems.

But Monmouth 2nds suffered an eight-wicket home defeat to second-placed Dinas Powys 3rds in SEW 12.

Opener Matthew Williams (24), fit-again Neil Saunders (19) and Sam Brennan (19) were the mainstays of Monmouth’s below-par 119 all out at the Sports Ground.

Tony Brennan (14) and opener Jake Teague (12) also made contributions, but Will Palmer took 3-20 to skittle Monmouth out in the 34th over.

Brennan (1-6) and Joe Walton (1-31) both picked up a wicket as Taylor (36 not out) and Tucker (36) guided high-flying Dinas to the target in the 26th over.

Despite the disappointing result, Aled Jones (0-9 from four overs), Sam Brennan, on his 100th club appearance, and Monty Clarke, on his 16th birthday, bowled decent spells.

Meanwhile, opener Paul Mallen hit a classy 96 as Monmouth 3rds posted 178, but it couldn’t prevent a 10-wicket defeat to Penarth 5ths at St Cyres School in SEW 15.

Mallen struck 17 fours and a six in an impressive 102-ball innings which deserved a century.

Pablo Nayager celebrated his birthday with a quick-fire 27, containing three fours and two sixes, while Nick Holt made 16.

Penarth’s line-up included former Glamorgan bowler Mark Frost, who snared 2-22 from eight overs.

Despite four accurate overs from all-rounder Richard Cotton, Penarth’s Darryn Lewis (106 not out) dominated proceedings and the hosts brought up their victory in the 24th over.

In midweek, a rapid half-century from Forest Hundred captain Pilot powered Monmouth to a four-wicket home victory against Tintern Monks – their fourth successive win.

A fiery opening burst from Jared Janes (4-10) put Monmouth in the ascendancy on a scorching night at the Sports Ground.

Simon Swindells (42) and Blackwood stalwart Callum Herring (30) led the way for Tintern before Pilot (3-13) and Pablo Nayager (1-9) claimed late wickets to dismiss the visitors for 123 in 81 balls.

In reply, Pilot’s 21-ball 55, which contained five sixes, and opener Albie Balfour (23) helped sweep Monmouth home with 21 balls to spare despite a decent spell from Swindells (3-26).

Monmouth are top of the ladder stage and host bottom-placed Ross-on-Wye tonight (Wednesday, June 3, 6pm).

Fixtures this Saturday (June 6) include Monmouth 1sts v Upper Rhondda, Vale 3rds v Monmouth 2nds, Monmouth 3rds v Crumlin 2nds.

On Sunday, Monmouth Women take on Newport Fugitives away.