MONMOUTH Cricket Club 1st XI took a break from the rigours of their Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division 3 campaign on Saturday to take part in the inaugural league T20 competition.

Drawn in a tricky group containing fellow Division 3 promotion chasers and last season's Conference winners Pentwyn, as well as Division 1 heavyweights Sudbrook, Monmouth knew they would have to produce two excellent performances to go through to the last 16.

Unfortunately Monmouth lost the toss in Game 1 against host club Pentwyn and found the early going tough on a tricky wicket after some heavy early morning rain plus some hostile bowling, as they were reduced to just 71-4 after 10 overs.

Only Adam Roberts (40) and some middle order striking from captain Ben Turner (27) and Richie Shaw (29) took the Monmouth total to a semblance of respectability as they closed on 154-8, someway short of a competitive total on a ground with such short boundaries.

For the hosts, captain and former Glamorgan seconds star Mike Beecham starred with the ball taking 3-29.

Man of the match Beecham then set about dismantling Monmouth's attack as he struck the ball to all parts of the picturesque ground in his match winning 75 (containing ten fours and two sixes) before being stumped by wicket-keeper Gaz Hughes off the bowling of Ben Turner.

For Monmouth the returning Mike Turner took 2-34 but Pentwyn ran out comfortable winners inside the 16th over as the wicket dried out significantly and made batting conditions more favourable.

This became even more apparent as Monmouth play-ed their second game straight afterwards against Sudbook.

After being inserted to bat, and despite the early loss of A. Roberts, Monmouth enjoyed the short boundaries and batted with a positive attitude, aware that they would have to win by a big margin to stand any chance of going through.

The innings was marshalled superbly by vice captain Josh Grey whose 104 came off just 12 overs and consisted of a remarkable nine fours and ten sixes as the score raced on to 132-2 off 12.

From then on, there were late fireworks from Dave Croudace (47), while Matt Jones (37 not out) anchored the innings superbly as Monmouth posted an impressive looking 208-4 off their allotted 20 overs.

However, Monmouth were well aware of the significant firepower Sudbrook have, particularly at the top of the order with opposition skipper Ross Lewis in fantastic recent league form. 

The Division 1 side certainly took to their chase in aggressive fash-ion.

The side raced to 74-1 off just five overs as it looked like Monmouth's total would prove inadequate on such a small ground.

But once Lewis was removed for 13, thanks to a smart catch by Matt Jones off the bowling of Mike Turner (3-47 off 4), the game turned back in Monmouth's favour. 

This was due in no small part to magnificent spells of bowling from off spinner Ben Turner (2-21 off 4) and paceman Rajesh Kuttappu (3-32 off 4) who pegged the Division 1 side back to 104-3 off ten overs and then left them in desperate trouble at 140-7, with only J. Hussey (16) and M. Martin (18) able to reach double figures.

In the end Sudbrook were bowled out for 168 in the 18th over. Monmouth's bowlers were well supported in the field with catches for Josh Grey (2), Adam Roberts, Matt Jones and Richie Shaw, plus a sharp leg side stumping from Gaz Hughes.

The upset gave Monmouth not only a 40 run victory but also the unlikely chance of reaching the next round.

However it was not to be as Sudbrook showed their class in the final game to comfortably beat host club Pentwyn and, with each side having one victory to their name, saw themselves progress through to the next round of the competition on the basis of a higher net run rate.

Next Saturday Monmouth return to league matters as the club's promotion chase continues with the long trip away to Rhondda based Llantwit Fadre.

Anyone interested in playing cricket for Monmouth Cricket Club, sponsored by JD Wetherspoons, should contact