MONMOUTH Cricket Club kept alive their SWALEC Stadium dreams with an exciting four-wicket triumph at Swansea outfit Gorseinon in the second round of the Gwalia Welsh Cup.

Teenage opener Matthew Jones struck a match-winning 44 and also made an impressive maiden appearance as wicketkeeper as Monmouth overhauled Gorseinon's 157 for nine with six balls remaining.

Monmouth will now travel to Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division One side Blackwood Town, who have former Llanarth all-rounder Gareth Berry in their ranks, on Sunday 10th June.

It was Monmouth's first appearance in the competition since 2007 and their first meeting with Gorseinon.

Monmouth's spinners played a huge part in restricting Gorseinon to an achievable total after the hosts had opted to bat first in Sunday's Section Eight 45-overs-a-side clash.

Alim Hansraj (two for 22), Ben Turner (two for 17), Jon Jones (one for 26) and David Teague (one for 31) all shone, while Kerry Williams carried his bat, finishing with 73 not out for the South Wales Cricket Association Division Two side.

Earlier, James Taylor (one for 31 off nine overs) took a smart return catch to remove Chris Richards and Dan Risk removed the dangerous Josh Simmons with an excellent run out at mid off. Hansraj also claimed a run-out.

In reply, former Wales Under-15 batsman Jones hit 44 runs off 94 balls, including five fours, and provided the platform for Monmouth's successful run-chase.

Teague (20), Risk (17), captain Paul Swingwood (16) and Hansraj (15 not out) all contributed before Dave Wilding finished the match with a boundary to move Monmouth into the third round of the competition.

For the full report on this match, see this week's Beacon (23rd May).