OPENER George Salmon celebrated his 24th birthday with a stunning unbeaten 102 in Monmouth Cricket Club's Seconds' six-wicket home win over Pencoed Seconds.

It was Salmon's first-ever hundred and he was in outstanding form, hitting 13 boundaries in a brilliant man-of-the match display at the Sports Ground last Saturday (1st June).

In reply to Pencoed's 190 all out, the dominant Salmon batted throughout the innings and fittingly hit the winning boundary – which also brought up his century – in front of his watching parents in the 43rd over.

Salmon, who hit some cracking straight drives in his best knock for the club, was supported by Josh Clark (18 not out).

The pair took Monmouth home with an unbroken 70-run stand for the fifth wicket in just 11 overs.

Steve Morgan (15) and Cornelius Clark (13) also contributed as Monmouth, sponsored by Ancre Hill Vineyard, picked up a maximum 20-point haul from their latest win in the Thomas Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League 2nd XI Division Three.

Earlier, Monmouth's young side struggled at times in the field and conceded 43 extras with some wayward bowling.

However, the hosts stuck to their task and Mike Turner (2-23 off nine), Aled Jones (2-27 off nine) and Josh Clark (2-32 off eight) were Monmouth's most successful bowlers.

Henry Damon (1-12), Ali Hay (1-40 off eight) and Tom Vickers (1-41 off nine) also picked up wickets as Monmouth eventually dismissed the hosts for 190 in 44.3 overs.

Thomas (39), Gregory (38) and Mort (23) were the main run-getters for Pencoed, while Tom and Ollie Vickers and Cornelius Clark did well in the field.

Monmouth would like to thank Jo Clark for scoring the book and Mark Wilding for running the bar. They also wish David Williams a speedy recovery after he was struck on the knee by the ball while umpiring.

Mike Turner's men have a tough game this Saturday, travelling to Risca to face rivals Pontymister Seconds in a vital league clash.

Monmouth are still looking for new players, and for more details, email Jon Despontin at [email protected]">[email protected]