A DEFIANT 39 from skipper Ben Turner could not stop a new-look Monmouth Cricket Club from a six-wicket defeat at Vale in their opening match. Turner and newcomer Neil Smith (21) batted doggedly for Monmouth, who battled their way to 137-7 on a wet and green pitch in Corntown, near Bridgend. Another first-team debutant, Aubrey Stubbs, picked up 2-11 on his 18th birthday but, in drying conditions, Vale reached the target in the 43rd over. Andy Bowley (1-19 from 10 overs) was Monmouth's most impressive bowler and was unlucky not to pick up at least three wickets. It was a disappointing start to Monmouth's third season in the Thomas Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division Three campaign. But on a difficult pitch, which made the toss of the coin vital for both sides, Monmouth, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, were inserted and faced a testing opening 15 overs on a wet and slow pitch. Matthew Jones (16) and Ian Morgan (11) gave Monmouth a slow start before Turner and Smith, a former Lydney and Malpas all-rounder, salvaged the innings with a 60-run stand for the fifth wicket. After the interval, Bowley, Aled Jones (1-31) Richard Shaw (0-20 off seven overs), and Smith (0-27 from seven) made Vale's batsmen work hard in vastly-improved conditions. Stubbs, a former Lydney player, picked up 2-11, while Jon Despontin was solid behind the stumps before the impressive Billy Yates (50) swept Vale to victory. Turner thanked the reliable Trevor Slocombe for scoring the book and hopes Monmouth can bounce back at home to Machen this Saturday. Meanwhile, there was better news for Monmouth's 2nd team as captain Martin Newell and George Williamson starred in a crushing eight-wicket home success over Vale 2nds on an excellent pitch at the Sports Ground prepared by Gordon Grey. Teenage bowler Williamson, who has sealed a place in Gwent Under-15s, snapped up 4-24 and Newell took 3-20 as Vale were shot out for 146. Teenagers Louis MacFarlane bagged 2-24 and George Stephens claimed 1-17 and held two catches, while Ollie Vickers bowled tidily and wicket-keeper Paris Thomas shone for a very young and enthusiastic Monmouth team. Newell cracked an unbeaten 60 and the returning Ali Hay hit 36 not out to see Monmouth home in the 26th over after contributions from openers Vickers (21) and Steve Gale (18). Newell's men travel to Machen 2nd this Saturday. For more details about joining the club, call Jon Despontin on 07966 015609 or email [email protected]">[email protected]