South East Wales Cricket League

Chepstow 1sts (229-7) lost to Monmouth 1sts (233-3) by 7 wickets

TABLE toppers Chepstow were brought down to Earth at Mathern Road on Saturday, thanks to some familiar faces, writes Bob Cypher.

Monmouth had former Chepstow favourites Dave Teague, Jon Roberts and Paul Swingwood in their side and all three helped their teammates put one over their previous club.

Teague was the target for some good-natured banter from the home fans as Chepstow batted first.

But he had the last laugh when he scored a fine half century in Monmouth’s run-chase to add to two wickets he had taken earlier.

After visiting skipper Adam Roberts won the toss, he asked Chepstow to bat first and brothers Sam and Ben Hope-Bell opened the innings.

Younger brother Ben was the first to depart thanks to a fine catch by Ben Lander but Sam, and stand-in skipper Mitchell Harris, worked well, rotating the strike and putting on 93 for the second wicket before Hope-Bell departed on 52.

Harris was joined by Dave Bennett who made 12 before being caught by Teague.

Aaron Jones (22) and Tyler Morgan-Huggett (36 not out) kept the scoreboard ticking over.

But despite Ben Kellaway’s scoop shot boundary, his 13 runs proved the last double-figure score as the home side’s innings ended with a whimper.

Paul Swingwood took 2-17 with one maiden in six overs and Teague claimed 2-33 in 10 overs.

In their reply, Harry Friend (29) and Teague (56) gave them a firm foundation and Sam Swingwood, 16-year-old son of Paul, hit a fine 57 before being caught by Kellaway off Tyler Morgan-Huggett’s bowling.

That left Josh Grey to make an unbeaten 74, partnered by skipper Roberts, to see the visitors over the line.

Later, Chepstow’s Malith Madurasinghe described the defeat as a “bad day at the office.”

“We should have scored more runs from the solid start we were given by Sam and Mitchell but still felt our total was competitive,” he added.

“However, Monmouth made easy work of the run chase.

“We didn't do a lot wrong in the field but we didn't create enough pressure with the ball to take wickets and they deserved the victory.”