A SUPERB innings from wicketkeeper Josh Grey almost led Monmouth Cricket Club to a Gwalia Welsh Cup win over higher-graded Chepstow – but they fell just 10 runs short in a gripping second-round tie.

Grey was caught on the boundary for 97 in the dying stages and Monmouth didn't quite have enough firepower in Sunday's match played in glorious sunshine.

Scott Bailey (100 not out) shone in Chepstow's 213-5 from 40 overs but the hosts, Monmouth, looked in an excellent position, racing to 63-1 after 10 overs.

But the experienced Paul Bennett eventually turned the match in Chepstow's favour, claiming the scalp of Grey, who struck 11 boundaries, Alim Hansraj (20) and Martin Newell.

Bennett, a Wales Over-50s player, finished with 3-11 from two overs, in a well-contested match witnessed by the largest crowd at the Sports Ground for a number of years.

Monmouth skipper Paul Swingwood made 35 and Ian Morgan 15 as the hosts fought bravely but ultimately came up short, with Andy and Luke Bowley at the crease.

Monmouth, who are sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, finished on 203-8.

Left-arm spinner Josh Tregaskes bagged 1-19 for the visitors and Chepstow fielded very well.

Monmouth were indebted to a debut display from Luke Bowley in his first match for eight years and Jon Jones, who arrived later after completing a 50-mile charity bike ride with his wife Lauretta.

Earlier, Scott Bailey, Chepstow's wicketkeeper, struck a superb unbeaten 100, reaching the landmark with a quickly scampered two off the final ball of the innings.

Newcomer Jamie Rayner hit 45 and James Bostock made 23 for Chepstow, while Ben Turner took 2-38 for Monmouth, Hansraj (1-27), Andy Bowley (1-31) and Newell (1-54).

Monmouth's players congratulate Chepstow on their win and wish them good luck for their third-round trip to Division One high-fliers Panteg.

Meanwhile, Monmouth will be hoping to bounce back in the Thomas Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division Three against Lisvane at the Sports Ground this Saturday (25th May).

Monmouth were outplayed and crashed to a 79-run defeat at Cardiff Gymkhana in the league last Saturday.

Adil Raja hit 100 for Cardiff in their challenging 240-8 from 50 overs.

Hansraj took 2-31 from 10, Andy Bowley 2-42, Swingwood 2-55 and Ben Turner 1-25. Monmouth were disappointing in the field.

Despite Dave Croudace hitting 33, Gareth Hughes 29, Swingwood (19 not out), Grey (15) and Richard Shaw (12), Monmouth closed on 161-9 to suffer a first league defeat of the season.

And Monmouth 2nds will also be aiming to get their 2nd XI Division Three campaign back on track at Ebbw Vale 2nds this Saturday.

Thirteen-year-old left-arm spinner Josh Hughes took his maiden senior wicket for an under-strength Monmouth 2nds who suffered a seven-wicket home defeat against Cardiff Gymkhana 2nds last Saturday.

Steve Morgan was outstanding, hitting 43 from 66 balls but Monmouth, sponsored by Ancre Hill Vineyard, fell to 129 all out.

Jon Despontin made 21, Ian Morgan (12) and Rick Parkes (11) but it was a below-par score for the hosts against a strong visiting attack.

Skipper Mike Turner took 1-55, and Aled Jones 1-41 but the visitors stormed home in the 22nd over.

Monmouth are now on the urgent look-out for senior players and, for more details, call club administrator Jon Despontin on 07966015609 or email [email protected]">[email protected]