OPENER Ian Morgan hit 72 but Monmouth Cricket Club's second team suffered a five-wicket home defeat against Machen Seconds with four balls left.

Morgan, who hit 10 fours in his 106-ball knock, was supported by Tony Jones (32) and Rick Parkes (28) as Monmouth reached a disappointing 166-8 from 45 overs.

Monmouth were probably 30 runs short of a winning total after losing their momentum badly on an excellent pitch at the Sports Ground.

Dale Stibbs was the most successful Machen bowler, taking 4-23, while Monmouth had recovered from 10-2.

Opening bowler Harry King (1-19 from nine) bowled superbly for Monmouth.

King was backed up by left-arm spinner Ian Morgan (1-28 from eight), leg-spinner George Salmon (1-16), skipper Mike Turner (1-31) and Tony Jones (1-28).

But Machen opener Gareth Davis hit top form, striking an unbeaten 91 and hitting the winning runs from the second ball of the last over.

Wicketkeeper Jon Despontin, Lee Newell, Steve Morgan and Luke Bowley did very well in the field for the hosts.

Monmouth Seconds, sponsored by Ancre Hill Vineyard, are fifth in the 2nd XI Division Three of the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League.

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They travel to bottom-of-the-table Llantwit Fardre this Saturday, aiming to get back to winning ways.