South East Wales Cricket League

Division 1

Abergavenny 237 all out beat Ebbw Vale 83-8 by 154 runs

EBBW Vale skipper Sam Richards won the toss and asked Abergavenny to bat first.

Although home slipper Will Glenn departed cheaply, Tom Pipe (49) and James Francis (53) steadied the ship while Owen Harris (20) and Sam Clarke’s 52 helped Aber post a good target.

In reply, Ebbw Vale offered only two double-figure scores thanks to the bowling of Sam Clarke (3-19) and Owen Harris (3-13).

Aber will face a sterner test this Saturday when they welcome Sudbrook who also started their league programme with a victory.

Sudbrook 169-7 beat Blackwood Town (168-9) by 3 wickets

AFTER playing and scoring for Sudbrook’s football team on Friday, Jamie Watkins switched kits to skipper the cricketers, winning the toss and asking the visitors to bat first.

Watkins and a youthful attack struck early and regularly to keep Blackwood’s total within reach as rain threatened.

Bowling honours went to George Lloyd (3-21 with four maidens in his 10 overs) closely followed by Toby Palmer (3-31 from six overs).

In reply Sudbrook’s opening pair Ross Lewis (14) and Mathew Kinchin (49) provided a solid start and with wickets in hand their teammates were under little pressure as they chased the 100-odd runs needed.

Matthew Burton (24) and Watkins (20) helped to see them home in the 36th over.

This Saturday also sees Chepstow and Usk begin their South Wales Premier division two campaigns with the Mathern Road outfit away at Gorseinon while Usk welcome Dafen Welfare.

A week later, Monmouth CC will be welcomed back to the league when they visit Undy & Magor CC in Division 7.

There will be no confusion about which is which team-wise as Monmouth will play in their new coloured kit as worn here by club president Gordon Grey.