MONMOUTH Cricket Club's first XI retained top spot of the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division 3 at the half way point of the season after an emphatic 186 run victory over Caerphilly-based Machen on Saturday (27th June).

Monmouth won the toss on a sunny day at the Sports Ground and decided to bat first on an excellent looking wicket.

However, it was the visitors that seized the early initiative as Monmouth were reduced to 58-2 with the removal of opener Adam Roberts (6) and number 3 batsman Matt Jones (11) to some loose stroke-play.

However, stand in opener Dave Croudace continued ticking the score along nicely, and when his aggressive innings of 60 came to an end the game was evenly poised at 91-3 in the 19th over.

This brought to the wicket Brighton University student Tom Vickers, making his first appearance of the season, and his 149 run partnership with Gareth Hughes (65 not out) turned the tide in Monmouth's favour.

Vickers was eventually dismissed for 84 in the final over and his explosive innings consisted of seven fours and three sixes – including two balls that ended up in the Monnow river.

He was ably supported through the middle over by Hughes, who rotated the strike effectively while punishing any loose deliveries, and left Machen facing the daunting prospect of chasing 276-5 off 45 overs at the interval.

In reply the visitors struggled from the off against the economical bowling of Neil Smith and spinner Alim Hansraj (3-29 off 9).

The regular fall of wickets also hampered the visitors efforts, and despite runs for Rob Ashcroft (26) and Tyler Kidley (34), no other player was able to reach double figures.

This was in no small part due to left arm seamer Richie Shaw (4-14 off 5.5) whose pace and swing was too much for Machen's lower order, and Wales under-13 spinner Ben Davies (3-3 off 5). Between them, the pair left the visitors bowled out for 90 inside 29 overs.

Monmouth's bowlers were well supported in the field with catches for Neil Smith, Gareth Hughes and wicket-keeper Jon Despontin.

The win gave Monmouth a well deserved 20 point haul, and secured top spot in Division 3 at the half way point in the season.

Next week Monmouth's first and second sides take a break from the regular league season as the first XI travel to Pentwyn and the second XI to Division 1's Sudbrook for the first round of the inaugural league T20 competition.

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