South East Wales Cricket League Division One - Usk CC First XI (241) lost to Sudbrook CC First XI (282-5) by 41 runs

SUDBROOK CC welcomed back skipper Micky Martin and wicketkeeper Brad Bates and both played a huge part in the team’s fine win at Usk.

Martin hit an excellent century while Bates claimed four stumpings and a catch to reduce Usk’s challenge.

Usk won the toss and threw down the gauntlet to the visitors to set a tough target.

Ably assisted by his fellow opener Ross Lewis (76), Martin explained the pair had discussed a change in tactics before taking the field.

“We turned up on a green Usk wicket and had every intention of bowling first but I lost the toss,” Martin said.

”Ross and I have been talking about the need to build a solid platform for the others to follow and we began slowly and steadily, gathering momentum and soon we were scoring freely.

“Ross passed his half-century and not long after, I reached my 50.

“We continued to build a partnership of more than 150 before Ross was out for a cracking 76.”

The visitors lost cheap wickets but Martin continued to register his first century of the season before being out with six overs left.

“Jon Lewis (31 not out) took over and along with Scott O’Leary 18 not out) took us to a very respectable 282 in our fifty overs.

“We started OK but Owen Watkins played his usual way and scored quick runs.

“After 10 overs they were scoring more than a run a ball and we needed a change.

“I put Jamie Watkins and Dean Wallace on to bowl and they did the perfect job for the conditions Jamie picking up two wickets in his 10 overs got the run rate going back in our direction.

“At drinks we were still in a battle as their opener was still in and batting nicely. Scott O’Leary came on and got a wicket early and at 32 overs we had them 154-4 with the opener still in.

“Ben Supple came on after Jamie and bowled very well with a lot  of control and the asking run rate kept going up.

“I brought Dean back on to finish his 10 overs and he picked up two wickets for 33 runs, once again showing experience is key

“Dean is a joy to have in the side and a great sounding-board for ideas.

“Scott and Ben finished with three wickets each and we bowled them out.

“A special mention for Bradley Bates but it was a great team effort with the bat and the ball and a much-needed win.”