A MAN-OF-THE-MATCH display from all-rounder Ben Pilot guided Monmouth 2nds to a 122-run home win against Blaengarw 1st XI in the South-East Wales League Division 9.

Pilot, agonisingly, perished on 98 but then snapped up three wickets as the hosts, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, shone on a scorching afternoon at the Sports Ground.

Teenage opener Jake Teague also dazzled in the heat, making an excellent 69 and Duncan Delreeve weighed in with 24, in Monmouth’s 229-8 from 40 overs.

Monmouth captain Barry Jones hit 18 and was delighted with the desire and application shown by his batters in Saturday’s match against a good visiting attack, who had made the long journey from Blaengarw.

In reply, Blaengarw opener Greg Sinnott struck 31, but Pilot (3-18 from four overs), Delreeve (3-22 from eight), Aled Jones (2-4), and Kit Skailes (1-15) helped skittle the visitors out for 107 in 29 overs.

Japanese player Yusuke Izumikawa, in his first-ever cricket match, took a fine catch, while Aled Jones and Barry Jones also held catches.

Teague instigated a run-out and there were good opening spells from Sam Brennan (0-12 from six) and Alfie Robinson (0-22).

The match was sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems and Monmouth 2nds make the trip to high-flying Radyr 4ths this Saturday (12.30pm start).

A fine knock of 64 from Craig Cook was the highlight of Monmouth 3rds’ battling seven-wicket home defeat to a strong Pencoed 1st XI in Sunday’s Division 12 fixture.

Cook, who struck 11 boundaries, was supported by skipper Gareth Jones with 27 in lifting the hosts to a respectable 157 all out at the Sports Ground.

Spinner Will Hickmott (2-24) and youngster Osian Jones (1-23) picked up wickets as Pencoed replied with 161-3 in the 27th over.

Nadia Mackey also delivered a tidy spell for Monmouth, while Dannie Stone was sharp behind the stumps and Ben McCluskey, Tom Russell and Greg Thomas were dynamic in the field.

The match was sponsored by Monmouth Dental Practice.

The previous day, a fluent innings from opener Nick Robinson was the bright spot as the 3rds went down by six wickets to table-topping Hopkinstown Seconds at Chippenham fields.

The left-handed Robinson cracked six boundaries in his quick-fire 27, but Monmouth struggled with the bat.

Despite a gritty nine not out from skipper Neil Saunders, Monmouth were dismissed for 66 by an impressive Hopkinstown bowling attack led by Rhys Evans (3-15) and Lloyd Staples (3-21).

Robinson (2-32), talented swing bowler Joshua Hurd (1-18 from five overs) and Saunders (1-18) all chipped in with wickets, but the leaders reached their target.

The match was sponsored by JWN Consulting and Monmouth 3rds travel to Lisvane 5th this Saturday (12.30pm start).

Monmouth 4ths, containing many players new to the sport and in their first season of senior cricket, showed lots of enthusiasm and spirit in a heavy defeat at a very strong and experienced Chepstow 3rds in Division 13 East.

Captain Helen McGloin was delighted to welcome club debutant Jon Russell and loan trio Erin Roberts, Lottie Seymour and Emma Higgs into her line-up for the first time.

In fact, Marta Fernandez, Becky Townsend, Alun Jeremiah, Thomas, Andrew Wilson and Tom Russell also deserve a special mention for their passion and commitment on a sweltering afternoon.

The match, which Chepstow won comfortably, was sponsored by Clear Change Associates Limited and, this Saturday, Monmouth Fourths host Croesyceiliog 4ths (12.30pm start).

Monmouth CC hold their weekly training sessions for all seniors on Thursdays at the Sports Ground from 6pm.

To get involved, contact secretary Dave Walters by emailing [email protected]