TALENTED teenage opener Osian Jones hit his maiden century in Monmouth’s 46-run home win against Newport Fugitives 2nds in South East Wales 6 on Saturday.

The 16-year-old carried his bat in Monmouth 1st XI’s 261-7, and shared a 182-run second-wicket stand with Ben Pilot, who perished agonisingly for 98.

Hard-working Jones (104 not out) collected 10 boundaries in his outstanding 113-ball innings on a hot afternoon at the Sports Ground.

The Glamorgan Academy U16 player and Pilot’s partnership was the bedrock of second-placed Monmouth’s innings.

Pilot, who also progressed through Monmouth’s junior ranks, battered 15 fours and a six in his thrilling 81-ball knock, which deserved a century.

Near the close, Harry Coulthard struck four boundaries in an unbeaten 31 from just 21 balls as the hosts maintained their scoring-rate.

Fugitives then made a promising start on an excellent batting surface, prepared by club president Gordon Grey.

Nigel Pryce top-scored with 32 before Pilot (3-32-8) contributed to his excellent all-round performance, including the wicket of Steve White (23), who once managed a sports shop in Agincourt Square.

Aled Jones (2-29), Tej Saran (1-17-8) and skipper Peter Keay (1-40) also picked up wickets for Monmouth, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems.

Wicketkeeper Will Hickott made a stumping and took a catch as a late flurry from Nazir Ahmed (31 not out) and Reuben Egan (25) lifted Newport to 215-7 from 40 overs.

Victorious Monmouth picked up 19 points and travel to Pontypridd to play Hopkinstown this Saturday (12.30pm start).

Meanwhile, opener Jake Teague hit an outstanding 81 but Monmouth 2nds suffered their first defeat in a 49-run loss away to Croesyceiliog 3rds at Woodlands in Division 12.

Monmouth did not have the rub of the green, highlighted with the unfortunate dismissal of in-form skipper Andrew Dobbie, run-out backing up at the non-striker’s end when a full-blooded straight-drive struck the Croesyceiliog bowler’s leg and ricochetted on to the stumps.

In reply to Croesyceiliog’s 211-6 from 40 overs, in which Peter Mason cracked a match-winning 76, Monmouth’s Teague shone on a slow pitch, striking 11 boundaries in a disciplined 96-ball knock.

Richard Cotton (20), Tom Calcutt (18) and Matthew Williams (10) also made contributions, before they were bowled out for 162 in the 37th over.

Earlier, young leg spinner Ieuan Jones (3-68) was Monmouth’s most successful bowler, backed up by Tony Brennan (2-33-8) and Calcutt (1-31-8), while opening bowlers Sam Brennan (0-23-7) and Monty Clarke (0-34-8) were unlucky not to pick up wickets.

However, a late onslaught from Griffiths (30 not out) and Evans (17 not out) took the game away on a difficult batting surface.

Monmouth 2nds host second-placed Dinas Powys 3rds this Saturday (12.30pm).

Meanwhile, skipper Theo Minnie blazed an unbeaten 35 in Monmouth 3rds’ spirited three-wicket defeat to Pontypridd 4ths at Chippenham Fields in SEW 15.

There were contributions from Joby George (18), the returning Tom Willgoss (10) and Greg Thomas (10) as the hosts recovered from 33-6 to reach 126 all out.

George (3-21) and Dan Barnard (2-15) picked up wickets for Minnie’s side who battled hard before Pontypridd reached the target in 20 overs.

Monmouth 3rds visit Penarth 5ths this Saturday (12.30pm).