MONMOUTH Cricket Club crashed to an 87-run home defeat against an impressive Cardiff Gymkhana in the Thomas Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division Three.

The Cardiff visitors made the most of an excellent pitch at the Sports Ground and piled up a commanding 298-9 from 50 overs.

Despite 63 from opener Ian Morgan and 44 from David Croudace, Monmouth slipped from 194-5 to 211 all out in last Saturday's clash.

Monmouth, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, have dropped to sixth place in the division and travel to second-placed Lisvane for a crucial match this Saturday.

Richard Shaw (3-33) was Monmouth's most impressive bowler and Jonathan Jones (2-60) also chipped in against Gymkhana.

Tanuj Singh (81), Imran Jaura (47) and Majid Karim (37) shone for the visitors.

Stand-in skipper Ben Turner bagged 2-61 and claimed three catches, while Josh Grey (1-36) and Alim Hansraj (1-49) also contributed for a below-par Monmouth fielding and bowling performance.

Grey and Matthew Jones also held good catches, while wicketkeeper Gareth Hughes was solid and Martin Newell did well in the outfield.

Morgan and Matthew Jones (34) put on 106 for the first wicket as Monmouth made a solid start in reply.

But Monmouth's batsmen gradually fell behind the required run-rate and the hosts were eventually bowled out in 46.4 overs.

Murad Mughai (3-30) was the leading bowler for Gymkhana, who were the better side and completed a league double over Monmouth.

It was no better for a depleted Monmouth Seconds, who suffered a comprehensive eight-wicket defeat at Cardiff Gymkhana Seconds in 2nd XI Division Three last Saturday.

The returning Dave Wilding (44) and Steve Morgan (40) were the leading contributors for Monmouth Seconds, who were bowled out for 135 in the 44th over.

Paul Franklin (3-9) and Ismail Saqib (3-17) caused problems for Monmouth's batsmen on a poor pitch.

Gymkhana raced to the target, led by Mir Shazad (61), despite wickets from Monmouth spinners Rick Parkes (1-20) and George Salmon (1-24).

Monmouth Seconds are fourth in the table and return to league action against second-bottom Ebbw Vale Seconds at Monmouth Sports Ground this Saturday (1pm start).

Monmouth Cricket Club are looking for new players and, for details, email [email protected]">[email protected]