MONMOUTH Cricket Club opened their pre-season campaign with a six-wicket defeat against Monmouth School's first team.

Ben Turner cracked two big sixes in his top-scoring 35 for the town outfit, who were bowled out for 128 in last Sunday's (22nd April) rain-hit friendly which was reduced to 35 overs a side.

Jonathan Jones (22), David Teague (15), Matt Jones (15) and skipper Dan Risk (12) also contributed for the visitors, while Jack Scarr (four for 16) and Jordan Hogan (three for 20) impressed for the school.

Usk's new recruit Gabriel Warwick led the school's reply with a fine 47 from 58 balls.

And, backed up by Tom Vickers (27 not out) and Jack Scarr (23 not out), Monmouth School reached their target with six balls to spare.

Jonathan Jones was the town's most successful bowler, bagging three for 29 from seven overs, while Richard Shaw (one for 13) and Callum Philpott also bowled well.

Monmouth Cricket Club would like to thank Andrew Jones for organising the match and hope it will become an annual fixture in their calendar.

Monmouth Cricket Club, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, continue their warm-up programme this Sunday (29th April) with a trip to old rivals Newbridge.

They have been frustrated with the wet weather so far this month with scheduled friendly matches rained off against Chepstow and Barry Athletic.

Monmouth are playing in Division Three of the Thomas, Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League this season and make their debut at Dinas Powys on Saturday 5th May.

For more details about Monmouth Cricket Club, call administrator Jon Despontin on 07966015609 or email [email protected]">[email protected]