MONMOUTH Cricket Cub made it two wins from two in the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division Three, with an emphatic nine wicket victory away at Bridgend based Vale CC.

Monmouth, sponsored by JD Wetherspoons, collected a maximum 20 point haul for the second week running, and after winning the toss inserted their hosts on a damp wicket following heavy overnight rain.

Vale made a patient start and looked well positioned at 51/1 after 15 overs, before the returning Dave Croudace took a magnificent diving one handed catch on the boundary to remove the well set JP Davies for 39. From there on in Monmouth applied increasing pressure to the Vale batsman, with excellent control shown from pace bowler Rajesh Kattapattu (3/24 off 9) and an economical spell from captain Ben Turner (1/14 off 9) as the hosts slipped from 98/3 to 107/7.

Spinner Alim Hansraj (3/10 off 5.3) then wrapped things up in the 43rd over as Vale posted a below par 114 all out. Monmouth excelled in the field with sharp catches taken by Josh Grey (2), D.Croudace and Hartpury College student C.Philpott (2).

After the tea interval Monmouth openers A.Roberts (56*) and J.Grey (35) put on an opening partnership of 58 in 11 overs before Grey top edged a suspiciously high looking full toss. It was left then to former Wales youth player M.Jones (22*) and Roberts to see the visitors home in the 24th over, which Roberts did in some style smashing a huge six over the long on boundary.

On Saturday, Monmouth host Cardiff Gymkhana at the Sports Ground looking to maintain their winning run. The 2nds take the trip to Llandaff playing fields to face the same opposition looking to get their campaign underway as their fixture at home to Vale fell victim to the heavy morning showers on Saturday.

Anyone interested in playing cricket for Monmouth this season should contact JDespo@aol.com.