MONMOUTH Cricket Club second XI's winning run came to an end with a narrow two-wicket defeat in a promotion-chasing battle at home to Llanwit Fadre last Saturday.

Monmouth's previously undefeated captain Rick Parkes won the toss and elected to bat, but the home side soon found themselves under early pressure at 36-3.

However opener Rob Pendleton (65), in his first innings at the Sports Ground in 13 years, batted as if he had never been away and Luke Bowley (32) combined aggression with watchful batting, helping Monmouth to recover strongly.

The home side failed to accelerate after this recovery though, scoring just 31 in the final 10 overs despite being just four wickets down until the very end, and finished on a below-par 141-6.

The game appeared set for an early finish as Llanwit Fadre sped to 65-3 from the first ten overs, despite wickets for Luke Bowley (1-28) and twelve year-old Ben Pilot (2-29).

Thereafter, despite spells from the experienced Aled Jones and Andy Bowley, Llanwit progressed to 104 without further loss.

The game then swung dramatically in Monmouth's favour thanks to a series of wickets as club chairman Martin Newell (2-12 from eight overs) was rewarded for an excellent spell with a couple of wickets in his final over, while Josh Hughes (2-23 from six) also gained his rewards for an excellent left-arm spinner's performance at the other end.

Aled Jones achieved a run-out with a direct hit, and Monmouth's performance in the field saw catches from Ben Pilot, Luke Bowley, a stumped and caught-behind from wicket-keeper Barry Jones and an energetic performance in the field from Rory Sheppard.

With Llanwit in some trouble at 116-8 Monmouth, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, scented what had seemed an unlikely victory.

However, the game swung violently the other way as the away side's lower order hit 26 runs without loss off the next 13 deliveries, including a six off the last ball bowled, to leave the home side beaten by two wickets in the 33rd over.

The club wishes to extend a fond farewell to Andy Bowley as he moves back to Leicester after four years playing at the club.

In that time the talented all-rounder took 69 wickets in 49 league appearances at both first and second team level and will be sorely missed by all.

Next Saturday the second XI face another tricky test as they face the journey to mid table Vale.