A FOUR-wicket haul from Harry Desroy could not save Monmouth from a first league defeat in 12 months in a rain-affected South East Wales 6 clash away to Vale 2nds.

Replying to Vale’s 245 all out in a weather-disrupted innings, Monmouth 1st XI were 99-4 from 20 overs when a heavy downpour ended last Saturday’s fixture.

Monmouth were 25 runs short of the par total of 124 when the rain-storm swept in, ending their year-long unbeaten league run.

Despite the disappointing outcome, it was still a memorable afternoon for teenage spinner Monty Clarke, who took his maiden away wicket at first-team level (1-12).

Desroy, in his first appearance of the campaign, led the way with 4-37 from eight overs as Vale slipped from 196-3 to 245 all out in the soggy conditions.

Skipper Peter Keay (2-32-7) and spinner Gareth Jones (2-53) also picked up wickets for Monmouth, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems.

Wicketkeeper Will Hickmott, Ben Pilot, Ben McCluskey and Keay all held catches, while Desroy engineered a run-out.

Opener Matt Thomas top-scored for Vale with 74 and Gareth Kellard made 40, but Monmouth struggled with the wet ball, dropping four catches and conceding 66 extras, including 47 wides.

After the interval, Monmouth lost early wickets to experienced swing bowler Darren Upham (2-24-8) and couldn’t build momentum.

And despite the efforts of Pilot (23), former captain Adam Roberts (22 not out), opener Matt Jones (19), Desroy (14) and Paul Brooks (12 not out), Monmouth finished short of the par-total when the rain stopped any further play.

Monmouth will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they host Newport Fugitives 2nds at the Sports Ground this Saturday (12.30pm).

Meanwhile, 2nds skipper Andrew Dobbie (81 not out) and opener Ian Morgan (75) starred with the bat in their Division 12 home derby against Chepstow 3rds.

But persistent rain had the final word, with the match abandoned at tea with Monmouth well-placed at 213-3 from 40 overs.

After being inserted, Monmouth were immediately hamstrung by an injury to Morgan, who suffered a thigh strain in the first over running a quick single.

But he remained at the crease, striking 12 fours and a six in his 100-ball knock, and shared a 95-run third-wicket stand with the in-form Dobbie, who hit 10 fours and two sixes in his 92 balls.

Matthew Williams weighed in with 19 not out, while Charlie Harkins (1-20), Ben Tate (1-31-8) and Tyler Robertson (1-46-8) picked up wickets for Chepstow and Luca Goddard took a smart catch at mid-off.

This Saturday, the 2nds face Croesyceiliog 3rds in Torfaen, while Monmouth 3rds, who had to concede last weekend’s fixture at Caerdydd Barbarians, host Pontypridd 4ths at Chippenham (12.30pm starts).

But Monmouth’s midweek team stormed to an eight-wicket victory against Aston Ingham at the Sports Ground last week in the Forest Hundred League.

Opener Matt Jones (54 not out) and captain Ben Pilot, who hit a blistering 51 and snapped up 2-20, shone as Monmouth secured their second win of the ladder stage.

Tim Dulson (33 not out), Joshua Henson (22) and former Woolhope captain Will Green (19) were the mainstays of Ingham’s 143-7 from 100 balls.

Pilot was backed by Harry Hughes (2-12), Sam Uttley (2-16) and Hassan Khan (1-28), while Tom Russell and Ben McCluskey were dynamic in the field.

In reply, Jones and Pilot set about the Ingham bowling and then Tej Saran (19 not out) weighed in to power the hosts home with 13 balls to spare.