MONMOUTH Cricket club remained undefeated in Division 3 after a thrilling one wicket win away at local rivals Monkswood on Saturday 23rd May.

Asked to field first on a baking hot day, Monmouth made a decent start in limiting the hosts to 55-2 off 13 overs.

However, the hard hitting M. Malson (64) was well supported in several middle order partnerships as captain Mike Watkins (44), and then Rod Jones (30) saw the hosts move on to an impressive looking 169/4.

The Monmouth bowlers then clawed their way back on what was a slow but true wicket and a lightening quick outfield.

For Monmouth, opening bowler Neil Smith showed great control in his nine over spell (1/14) and there were wickets at regular intervals for spinners Alim Hansraj (1-24 off 9) and Ben Davies (1-44 off 9) as well as King's Taunton schoolboy Henry Breeze (2/11).

Monmouth stuck to their task well in the field, with catches for wicket-keeper Gareth Hughes (2), as the hosts finished on a competitive looking total of 203-6 from their allotted 45 overs.

After the break, and with leading run scorer Josh Grey unavailable, a new looking opening partnership of Adam Roberts (21) and Matt Jones (27) saw the Monmouth score move steadily on to 37-1 off 10 overs.

However, it was the introduction of former Llanarth batsman Dave Croudace that changed the game in Monmouth's favour, and his partnerships with skipper Ben Turner (21) and Alim Hansraj (15) saw his score move to 170-5.

However, a strong fightback from Monkswood bowlers S. Williams (3/45) and G. Trumper (2/48) swung the match back in their favour and left Monmouth's innings on the brink at 183-8.

However, the experienced Croudace (69 not out) batted superbly with the tail rotating the strike effectively, and winning the game for Monmouth with a four off the first ball of the last over.

It was Monmouth's fourth win out of four so far this season.

Next week Monmouth Cricket Club will hope to continue their fine run when they entertain Cardiff based Whitchurch Heath at the sports ground, in what promises to be another tough encounter.

The match will start at 1pm.