MONMOUTH Cricket Club hosted a hugely successful women’s softball festival at the Sports Ground – and clinched two wins from two matches.

Sunday’s women’s softball festival also involved teams from Panteg, Cowbridge, Llandaff, Croesyceiliog and Lisvane and proved the sporting highlight of the weekend for Monmouth.

Monmouth’s women’s section, sponsored by Latorre Consultancy, shone on and off the field with a superbly organised event, led by Jill Jones and her team of helpers, in scorching hot conditions.

Claire Maguire highlighted her prowess with the bat with a hard-hitting 29, including a six over cover point, in Monmouth’s opening match, against a spirited Croesyceiliog.

Monmouth replied with an impressive 104-1 to achieve a nett total of 99 after they had contained Croesyceiliog to 59-3 for a nett total of 44.

Monmouth then edged out Lisvane by just two runs in an excellent contest that went down to the final ball of the festival.

Batting first, Monmouth finished on 69-1 for a nett total of 64 and then Lisvane, who played superbly throughout, replied with 67-1 for a nett score of 62.

There were lots of outstanding bowling, catching and fielding from all the teams played on the two pitches at the Sports Ground.

It was great to see Dannie Stone and Nadia Mackey, who play their hardball cricket for Monmouth, represent their softball team – Panteg – with such enthusiasm and skill.

Monmouth are always looking for new softball and hardball players and, to get involved, please contact Dave Walters by emailing [email protected]

Meanwhile, Monmouth’s senior teams, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems, will be returning to action this weekend after their three scheduled fixtures last Saturday were cancelled by the opposition.

This Saturday, Monmouth Seconds travel to Lisvane Fourths in South-East Wales League Division 9, while Monmouth Thirds host Pontymister & Crosskeys Thirds at the Sports Ground in Division 12 and Monmouth Fourths head to Crickhowell to play Abergavenny Fourths in Division 13 East (all matches start at 12.30pm).

Monmouth held a hugely enjoyable 30-overs-a-side intraclub match last Saturday before hosting an Australian-themed party for popular newcomer, Will Powles, who headed to Australia this week.

Monmouth Cricket Club’s weekly outdoor training sessions for all seniors continue to take place on Thursdays at the Sports Ground from 6pm.