THERE should be a run-fest at Chepstow Cricket Club on Saturday when the 1st XI take on rivals Sudbrook Cricket Club 1sts.

Both teams are confident having enjoyed victories last weekend and have a number of batsmen in form.

At Mathern Road, a rain-interrupted match saw Chepstow opener Carwyn James score 124 not out – his third consecutive century, a club record apparently – which took him to the top of the Division 1 batting table and helped beat Abergavenny.

Despite the rain breaks, the visitors looked likely to set a high target as Chepstow's attack found bowling with the ball, which one player described as a soggy pudding, a major test.

"The stop-start bowling performance due to showers didn't help momentum and a soaking wet ball offered very little to our bowlers," said skipper Malith Madurasinghe.

"Jon Roberts' opening spell of 1-27 had shown what was possible in bowler-friendly conditions at the start, but at 130-2 off 30 overs, Abergavenny looked dangerous.

"But tight bowling by David Teague (2-42) and Tyler Morgan-Huggett (1-39), restricted boundaries and the total to 253."

That total was largely due to the efforts of Gavin Heritage (89), Andy Clarke (62) and Lewis Holley (37) with contributions from James Hrastelj (15) and Dinesh Rex (23).

In reply, Chepstow lost two wickets and at 58-2, the target, modified to 245 from 48 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis formula, offered a stern test.

But the arrival at the crease of Dave Teague, joining the in-form James, raised hopes.

The two men set about Abergavenny's bowlers and James passed his half-century with a variety of shots despatched to most parts of the ground.

Teague too was making a major contribution and as the target came ever closer, James reached his century with one of two maximums – he also hit 17 boundaries – and Teague set off in pursuit of his own century with some excellent shots.

The ton eluded him but his 86 not out included 11 fours and one six.

"Carwyn and David put on almost 200 runs for the third wicket to win with 10 overs to spare," said Madurasinghe.

"That's four wins on the bounce now and we welcome local rivals Sudbrook on Saturday when we'll be looking to carry it on."

It won't be easy making it five wins in five, however.

Sudbrook will be brimming with confidence after going to then-leaders Newbridge and returning home with a 94-run victory.

Asked to bat first when Newbridge won the toss, Sudbrook posted 258-9 off their 50 overs and proceeded to skittle out their hosts for 164 in the 43rd over.

"It was a fantastic win against Newbridge, unbeaten until yesterday," said delighted skipper Ross Lewis, who celebrated winning a bottle of champagne for being named Batsman of the Month for May.

"The best thing was the attitude of the boys and the fielding was much improved.

"In terms of next week, the boys are feeling confident of getting a result but know it will be a tough game against a good Chepstow side.

"We know they've got a good all-round side with Carwyn being one of their stand out performers.

"We will have to bowl and field extremely well against him. He is having a very good season as you would expect from a player of his talents."

There will be notable absentees from both teams with Chepstow being without the Morgan-Huggett twins and Alyn Franklin who suffered an injury to his right hand while Sudbrook are likely to miss Mark O'Leary.