BEN Pilot struck an explosive 65 off just 25 balls to help Monmouth CC's Menaces beat visitors Tintern in the midweek Forest Ladder.

The Tintern attack didn't have a prayer as Pilot blasted eight sixes and two fours before holing out following a 104-run third-wicket stand with opener Matthew Jones, who went on to score 66 not out off 40 balls.

Skipper Andrew Dobbie also contributed 34 off 24 balls as Monmouth posted 189-4 off their 100 balls.

Tintern made a fist of it, replying with 163-5 as the hosts won by 26 runs, Aled Jones taking three wickets and Jared Janes two.

The 1sts league fixture at Miskin Manor was called off on Saturday, but the 2nds won a tight low-scoring affair at home to Whitchurch Heath 4ths.

The visitors were restricted to 111-6 off their 40 overs, Gareth Jones and Sam Brennan with wicket braces.

It wasn't all plain sailing in reply, but Ian Morgan with an unbeaten 27 backed by 19 from Dobbie and 18 from Matthew Williams saw them to 112-7 with five overs to spare.

There were even less runs in the 3rds' game as they were dismissed for 68 by visitors Ponthir 4ths, who then reached 72-3 in the 13th over, only Simon Kidd making double figures for Monmouth with 18, while Charlie Mallen, Steve Vickers and Robin Smoult shared the wickets.

Monmouth's Women also missed out by seven wickets at Sudbrook on Sunday, reaching 69-9 before the hosts raced to 70-1.

Penny Boyle scored 28 and Ella Jones, who also took the wicket, 10.

Monmouthshire Menaces host Goodrich Bison in the Forest Hundred on Wednesday night (June 18).

Saturday’s (June 21) fixtures include – Monmouth 1sts v Porth 1sts, Bay Dragons 2nds v Monmouth 2nds, Miskin Manor 4ths v Monmouth 3rds.

Monmouth Women’s softball team also host Sudbrook and Llanarth on Sunday (June 22).