TWELVE-year-old spin bowler Ben Davies had a standing ovation in Monmouth Cricket Club's 40-run defeat against Whitchurch Heath in the Thomas, Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League. The talented schoolboy made his first-team debut for Monmouth Cricket Club and took 2-28 from 10 outstanding overs of left-arm spin in Saturday's Division Three clash at the Sports Ground. Ben, who plays for Wales Under-12s and has not yet appeared for Monmouth's second team, was drafted into Ben Turner's line-up just an hour before the start of the match. And the youngster, who is following in the footsteps of his father Jonathan Davies, who used to  keep wicket for Monmouth's first-team, dismissed Whitchurch opener Raheem Ali (29) and number five batsman, Simon Coombs. Neil Smith (3-29), Alim Hansraj (2-31) and Aled Jones (2-18) also starred for Monmouth, who shot out the Cardiff outfit for 132 in 41.4 overs. But, once again, Monmouth's batting line-up failed to fire and the hosts were dismissed for just 92. Monmouth, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, have slipped to fifth spot in the division, with Whitchurch Heath climbing to fourth position. Turner's men will be hoping to bounce back from two successive defeats with a victory this Saturday at old rivals Monkswood, near Usk. Last Saturday's match at the Sports Ground was among only four fixtures in the league programme which survived the wet weather. Monmouth, through Ben Davies and the experienced Smith, took a firm grip on the contest after the hosts had inserted Whitchurch Heath. Monmouth reduced the visitors to 47-4 and 75-7 before Dani Zaman (30) and Michael Richards (25 not out) lifted Whitchurch's tally to 132. Jonathan Jones (2), Aled Jones, Matthew Jones, Josh Grey and Jon Despontin all held catches for Monmouth, while Ben Davies was given a standing ovation as he left the field. But happiness soon turned to despair in the home dressing room as Tom Salmon (4-22) made life tough for Monmouth's batsmen and they slipped to 18-3 and then 75-7. Ollie Vickers made a defiant 29 and Jonathan Jones weighed in with 17 but Monmouth could not get themselves out of trouble. Mo Bhargaup took 1-22 and Zaman, 1-22 as Monmouth were eventually bowled out, with Ben Davies unbeaten, in the 43rd over. Monmouth thank Lyn Hall and Mike Rouse for umpiring the match and are excited about a host of young players at the club who are coming through the ranks. Ben Davies capped a superb weekend, snapping up 2-12 from eight overs for Wales Under-12s against Somerset at Newport on Sunday. Meanwhile, Monmouth 2nds are scheduled to host Monkswood 2nds this Saturday at the Sports Ground in 2nd XI Division Three. Perhaps not surprisingly, Monmouth 2nds' trip to Whitchurch Heath 2nd last Saturday was washed out by heavy overnight rain. Monmouth Cricket Club are keen to give young players a chance to shine. For details, call Jon Despontin on 07966015609 or email [email protected]">[email protected]