South East Wales Cricket League Division Three - Barry Wanderers CC First XI (179-6) beat Monmouth First XI (175-9) by four wickets

MONMOUTH Cricket Club First XI lost their sixth game of the season in Division Three of the South East Wales Cricket League on Saturday away at Sully against their mid table opponents Barry Wanderers.

Monmouth, severely hampered with a record eight first team regulars unavailable, made the trip to the coast knowing how crucial a victory was in the hunt for a promotion place with the season reaching its climax.

Unfortunately, Monmouth lost the toss and were inserted on a difficult wicket with plenty of uneven bounce and carry. Monmouth found themselves in early trouble as opener Josh Grey (4) and Chris Chalk (2) fell in quick succession to leave Monmouth at 21-2.

However, a counter-attacking innings from Martin Newell (38) took Monmouth to a more steady looking platform at the drinks break with the score on 80-2 after 22 overs.

Newell’s dismissal shortly after the break proved to be a catalyst as Monmouth didn’t help themselves with poor running between wickets leading to three run outs, the most influential of which being that of opener Ian Morgan on 19.

With wickets falling, the score slipped to 112-7 before some late order fireworks from Wales U14 youngster Ben Davies (27 not out) and Raj Kuttappu (10) took Monmouth to a more respectable looking score of 175-9 off 45 overs and gave the bowlers something to work with.

For Barry Wanderers, the pick of the bowlers were G.Hughes (2-40 off nine) and R.Gaur (2-32 off 9).

After the tea interval Monmouth knew taking early wickets was the key and they struck through spinner Alim Hansraj (2-32 off nine) and a debut first team wicket from Chris Chalk (1-24 off seven) to leave Wanderers at 52-3 after 14 overs and the game very much in the balance.

However, a strong partnership between captain Matt Anderson (44) and Vimal Dundigalla (56) who was hitting his second 50+ score of the season against Monmouth, took the game away before Dundigalla was removed by young leg spinner Sam Swingwood (2-35 off nine) with the score on 129.

In the end Monmouth were unable to prevent Barry Wanderers from reaching their target in the 43rd over despite the late wicket of Matt Anderson for a well made 44 by Martin Newell (1-15) and also Hansraj taking a remarkable one handed diving catch in the covers.

Despite the defeat, Monmouth’s inexperienced side should take much credit for their figh. There were catches for Ben Davies and wicket keeper Jon Despontin, who also took two stumpings. However, the result sees Monmouth remain in fourth place in Division Three.

Next Saturday the curtain comes down for Monmouth as they travel away to Creigiau knowing only a convincing win and a slip up by Crumlin will be enough to claim second place.