CAPTAIN Paul Swingwood hailed returning duo Tej Saran and Dave Croudace after Monmouth Cricket Club opened their new campaign with a thumping eight-wicket triumph at Llantwit Fardre.

Saran bagged 5-25 and Croudace struck a confident unbeaten 43 as Monmouth picked up 19 points from their first Thomas Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Division Three clash.

Monmouth won the title last season but remain in Division Three after league bosses suspended all promotion and relegation due to the wet weather.

"It is great to have Dave and Tej back at the club after a couple of years away. We have missed them and are delighted they have already made a big impact," said Swingwood.

"It won't be easy to win this division after last year's efforts but we will try to do the same again with enthusiastic and committed players.

"Dave and Tej are both very talented players who can be leading lights for us this season and Josh Grey batted with tremendous maturity."

The win should give Swingwood's men confidence ahead of Friday night's trip to Ponthir in the preliminary round of the Macey Knockout Cup.

Monmouth, who are sponsored by JD Wetberspoon, then host Dinas Powys at the Sports Ground this Saturday (1pm start) in their second league fixture.

In Monmouth's first-ever trip to Llantwit Fardre last weekend, Saran's inswingers had the home batsmen in disarray and they mustered just 108 all out in 28.4 overs.

Saran's eight-over burst cut through Fardre's batting line-up, while Andy Bowley (2-22), Swingwood (1-29 from 9.4 overs) and Richard Shaw also bowled well.

Matt Jones and Grey each held two catches and there were excellent fielding displays from Ali Hay and Gareth Hughes.

In reply, Croudace and Grey (29 not out) batted impressively to steer Monmouth to the target in 29 overs after Wayne Etheridge, another returning player this season, had struck 19.

Swingwood added: "We know there will be much tougher tests ahead for us but it is great to get the season off to such a positive start.

"We are always on the lookout for new players and Ben Turner, my vice-captain, will play a big role this summer."

Meanwhile, Monmouth Cricket Club were saddened to learn about the recent death of former player and life member Phil Harris.

For more details about senior cricket and match-ball sponsorship opportunities at Monmouth Cricket Club, call first-team captain Paul Swingwood on 07526925396 or email paul.swing