MONMOUTH Cricket Club’s 2nd XI lost to undefeated Cardiff Gymkhana at the Sports Ground by five wickets on Saturday in the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division 3.

After winning the toss, stand in skipper Jon Despontin decided to bat first on an excellent looking wicket despite heavy rain the day before.

Monmouth made steady progress through their innings with contributions from Rob Pendleton (24), Richie Shaw (22), Monmouth School pupil and under-15 Josh Hughes (19) and the returning Ali Hay (17) but having been 104-2 off 25 overs the innings never gained any real momentum and fizzled out at 163-6 off their allotted 40 overs.

In reply Gymkhana made a whirlwind start through captain I. Mian (47) and R. Singh (40) racing along to 89-0 off just nine overs.

However, Monmouth fought back well with the ball as spinners Aubrey Stubbs (2-27 off 7.3) and Liam Stubbs (2-31 off 5) pegged the visitors back to 111-4 and leave Monmouth with a sniff of an unlikely victory.

Unfortunately a couple of dropped chances and a fine innings by U. Ijaaz (40 not out) saw the visitors comfortably home in just the 24th over. 

Next Saturday sees the 2nd XI travel away to local rivals Monkswood in the hope of returning to winning ways.