MONMOUTH Cricket Club 2nd XI finally got their season underway last Saturday (16th May) with a narrow three wicket defeat away to Cardiff Gymkhana.

In truth, it was a poor toss to lose, as the away team were put in to bat on a damp wicket at Llandaff Playing Fields, which  made runs hard to come by.

Monmouth lost early wickets cheaply, but stuck to their task and made a hard fought 107-7 from 40 overs, with important contributions from Andy Bowley (25 not out), debutant Barry Jones (15) and Liam Stubbs (9).

Under the watchful eye of new captain Rick Parkes, who was sidelined due to injury, Monmouth (pictured) took to the field and were given hope with three wickets in the first two overs, as stand-in skipper Martin Newell, who finished with 2-17 from eight overs, and under-13 Ben Pilot (1-12 from 4.5 overs) made early breakthroughs. 

However, Gymkhana's experienced middle order steadied the ship, and with batting becoming easier as the wicket dried, a close low-scoring game gradually moved in their favour.

Despite a containing spell from Luke Bowley (1-20 off 8 overs), a wicket each for James Woodward (1-20), George Stephens and Andy Bowley, and good performances in the field from Greg Thomas, Tom Jones, Bob Pendleton and debutant wicket-keeper Barry Jones, Gymkhana passed Monmouth's total in the 32nd over to win by three wickets.