THERE was the sound of leather on willow again at the weekend, as cricket teams warmed up for the new season with friendlies.

Usk CC played back-to-back home matches with Cardiff Met University and the university President's XI, but the students proved the class act, winning both.

The Met won Saturday's game by 47 runs, scoring 212/4 declared off 37 overs before Usk replied with 165/8 off their 37 overs, Joe Peacock firing 55 backed by Jamie Rayner and Daniel Cordell with 24s.

The following day was closer, the President's XI prevailing by two wickets after Usk reached 165 all out in 42.5 overs, Guy Moore with 44, Mohammad Salman 36, Iwan Jones 28 and Ryan Jones 24.

Met then reached 167-8 in 38.5 overs, Ollie Hall taking two wickets.

Monmouth visited Huntley for a fun friendly on Sunday, giving no less than 15 players some batting time.

The hosts’ regulation XI scored 291 all out off 40 overs, Gareth Jones taking two wickets, one a caught and bowled, plus a run out, and Osian Jones, Bea Jones, Wade Ridsdale and Andrew Dobbie one apiece.

Monmouth then made 230-15 in reply, Ridsdale scoring 50 retired not out, Osian Jones 44 and Bea Jones 38, as Huntley won by an amended target 95 runs.