MONMOUTH Cricket Club's first XI romped to an emphatic 10 wicket win over bottom side Vale Cricket Club at home on Saturday in the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division 3.

In doing so Monmouth have maintained top spot in the division with just eight games left.

Monmouth lost the toss and were asked to bowl first on a wicket that was rock hard, if a little green in appearance.

Right from the start Monmouth's opening attack of former Malpas bowler Neil Smith (4-23 off 9) and Jordan Charles (3-17 off 6.1) put the Vale batsman under pressure by bowling some excellent lines and lengths.

This led to a regular clatter of wickets which saw the visitors in deep trouble early on with the score at 22-6.

Only wicket-keeper M. Harper (32) seemed to come to any kind of terms with the Monmouth bowling.

In fact Harper was the only player who reached double figures in the Vale innings as the basement side were skittled out for just 57 in the 19th over.

In the field Monmouth supported their bowlers well with excellent catches taken by R. Kuttappu, M. Jones, J. Grey and wicket-keeper G. Hughes, who also took a sharp stumping. 

In reply Monmouth realised that only a 10 wicket victory would mean maximum points and openers Adam Roberts (21 not out) and Josh Grey (31 not out) made quick work of the small target in reaching the runs required in just 6.3 overs.

The 20 point haul ensured Monmouth retained top spot in the division and sets up a mouth watering top of the table clash with Cardiff Gymkhana at Llandaff Playing fields next week.

Gymkhana are themselves in excellent form having defeated third place Dinas Powys last Saturday, with their only league defeat this season coming at Monmouth earlier in the campaign. 

Anyone interested in playing cricket for Monmouth, sponsored by the Kings Head, should contact JDespo

@aol.com.