MONMOUTH Cricket Club’s first XI returned to the top of Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division 3 on Saturday after an emphatic 147 run win against local rivals Monkswood at the Sports Ground.

The result, along with Cardiff Gymkhana’s defeat away at fellow title challengers Ebbw Vale, sees Monmouth lead the way with five crucial games remaining in a hugely competitive division.

On Saturday (1st August), Monmouth were asked to bat first on a muggy afternoon and, while the wicket appeared green, it would turn out to be an outstanding batting surface with good carry and pace.

This was soon proven as Monmouth’s openers Adam Roberts (61) and Josh Grey (138) put on a fabulous 166 run opening partnership which saw the ball disappear to all corners of the ground as the Monkswood bowlers toiled away with little reward. 

Grey in particular was brutal on any wayward deliveries with his 138 containing an impressive 17 fours and three sixes.

Once Grey was eventually dismissed, the onslaught was taken up by former Llanarth batsman Dave Croudace who made his second half century of the season against the now wary visitors, with his explosive 69 not out including four fours and four sixes.

His innings, along with some effective strike rotation from Aubrey Stubbs (18), saw Monmouth eventually close their innings on a huge 332-4 off their allotted 45 overs.

In reply Monmouth were well aware of the dangers of Monkswood’s opening pair.

While a 51 run opening stand for the visitors in the first nine overs looked ominous, once M. Jones (31) and M. Malson (31) fell, Monkswood were always up against a daunting looking required run rate.

With the ball there were wickets for Neil Smith (1-23 off 9), skipper Ben Turner (1-33 off 9), Raj Kuttappu (1-34 off 7) and man of the match Josh Grey (2-8).

The undoubted star of the Monmouth attack, and not for the first time this season, was Wales under-13 spinner Ben Davies who took 5-29 in nine outstanding overs.

Davies’ flight and guile ripped through the middle order and saw Monkswood bowled out for 186 in the 44th over to give Monmouth a vital 20 points.

Next Saturday sees Monmouth travel to Cardiff to face a tricky encounter against Whitchurch Heath, who they defeated by seven wickets at the Sports Ground earlier in the season. 

Anyone interested in playing cricket for the club, sponsored by The Kings Head, Monmouth, should contact [email protected]