A FINE unbeaten half-century from skipper Ashley Burdett guided Monmouth CC Women to an emphatic nine-wicket win at Newport Fugitives in the South Wales League Hardball Division 1.

In reply to Fugitives’ 110-6 from 30 overs, the opener hit six boundaries in a match-winning 52 not out.

Backed up by Sophie Davies (20 not out), the duo steered Monmouth to the target in just 13.4 overs.

It was an impressive display from the visitors, who picked up 18 points from Sunday’s victory.

Earlier in the day, Kelly Chilton (2-10 from six overs) was Monmouth’s most successful bowler, backed by Shannon Maguire (1-21) and Penny Boyle (1-36), while Burdett and Lauren Maguire both delivered six miserly overs costing just 12 runs in total.

Darcy-Mai Butler hit 25 not out for Fugitives and Kate Jones 16 as McGloin and Chilton held catches.

Lorraine Wadley and McGloin also instigated run-outs for Monmouth, while Clare Dunsford and Amelia Holt were sharp in the field, with wicketkeeper Jill Jones tidy behind the stumps.

In Monmouth’s previous Division 1 outing, Burdett (85) and Chilton (55 not out) shone with the bat in an impressive 132-run league victory against Abergavenny at the Sports Ground.

While Burdett and Chilton led the way, Bea Jones (16), McGloin (13) and Sue Shemilt (13) also contributed in Monmouth’s commanding 231-5 from 30 overs.

Chilton then snapped up 4-15-6, while Burdett (2-11-4), Shannon Maguire (1-10-4) and Boyle (1-15) all chipped in to help dismiss a spirited Abergavenny for 99 in 23 overs.

While Maria Sheehan (46) and Bella Collett (15) batted well for the visitors, Burdett (2), Shemilt (2), and McGloin took catches.

Monmouth, coached by Gareth Jones, are now fifth in the table with two wins from their opening three hardball matches, and host fourth-placed Western Steel Seconds in their next Division 1 fixture at the Sports Ground on Sunday, June 21 (midday).