CHEPSTOW Cricket Club's 1st XI enjoyed a seven-wicket victory over visitors Croesyceiliog at Mathern Road on Saturday (6th June).

The visitors won the toss and decided to bat first, setting a total of 241-9 from their 50 overs with Lewis Pheasant (70) and opener Thomas Kear (55) contributing well towards the total.

However, the target proved well within Chepstow's capabilities as in-form opener Carwyn James struck yet another century before being caught on 115 and David Bennett (45) and Tyler Morgan-Huggett (40) steered the home side to 244 for the loss of just three wickets in the 32nd over.

With their skipper Jason Dobbie injured, vice-captain Malith Madurasinghe paid tribute to the all-round team performance.

"We did well to restrict them to 241 on a good wicket," he said.

"That was evident, especially in the first half of their innings, through some tight bowling by Jon Roberts and Tudor Morgan-Huggett and excellent fielding – the highlight being a stunning diving catch by Paul Swingwood on the drive at cover to dismiss one of the openers off my bowling.

"In reply, Carwyn James, our in-form batsman, continued his purple patch with another century, Dave Bennett added 45 not out to reach our target with 18 overs to spare – a very impressive performance all round.

"That's three wins on the bounce so we are looking forward to continuing in this vein next week at Pontypridd."

Madurasinghe claimed 3-61 in 10 overs, Dave Teague took 2-23 in just four overs late on and Jon Roberts 1-29 with one maiden in eight overs.

The Seconds' bowlers were mauled at Lisvane after the home side won the toss and elected to bat.

Opener Snehasis Tripathy struck a century and, when his partner Gary Israel departed for 11, Sree Reddivari weighed in with 94.

Further scores for Rob Bowen (15) and Wayne Watson (35) saw Lisvane post 269-4, a target which proved well beyond the capabilities of the Chepstow team.

Opener Josh Tregaskes top-scored with 22 but, apart from Tuhin Gavand (20) and James Bostock (12), no other batsman managed a double figure score. The visitors' innings finishing at 98 all out in the 35th over.