MONMOUTH Cricket Club's 1st XI maintained top spot in the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division 3 with an emphatic nine wicket win over Rhondda-based Llantwit Fardre last Saturday.

Asked to field first at the toss, Monmouth bowled with great control on a two paced wicket offering plenty of assistance to the seamers.

Opening bowlers R. Kuttappu (1-24 off 8) and Richie Shaw (1-20) made early inroads and limited Llantwit to 16-2.

It was the returning Jordan Charles (1-15 off 7) who removed opposition captain and danger-man Stuart Clarke though for a well made 26 thanks to an outstanding caught and bowled.

This was a sign of things to come as Monmouth put in a brilliant team fielding performance with catches held by Matthew Jones (3), Jon Despontin (2) and captain Ben Turner, plus two outstanding run outs from Jones and Josh Grey, the first a direct hit from the boundary and the latter a sharp reflex effort from short leg.

The Llantwit Fardre innings never really gained any momentum following Clarke's dismissal, as Wales under-13 left arm spinner Ben Davies (3-25 off 9) and captain Ben Turner (2-14 off 7.2) took regular wickets and left the hosts shot out for just 102 in the 37th over.

In reply Monmouth openers Josh Grey (40) and Ian Morgan (34 not out) made steady progress towards their small target before Grey was removed with the score on 59.

From then on Morgan and Matt Jones (19 not out) looked comfortable and reached the target after just 21 overs and gave Monmouth a well deserved maximum 20 point haul.

Next week Monmouth, sponsored by The King's Head, host bottom side Vale and will look to continue their rich vein of form.

Anyone interested in playing cricket for Monmouth at senior or youth level should contact JDespo

@aol.com.