Usk lose opener by 7 runs

On a glorious day at the Athletic Club Ground, Usk entertained UWIC for their season’s curtain raiser. The cricket was just as good as the weather as the teams fought out a close contest.

With UWIC batting first, Usk made the better start as Vinnie Kay struck in only the fourth over. Hughes (49) and Roberts (32) then steadied the ship for UWIC, as they reached the halfway stage of the innings without any further damage; after 20 overs UWIC were 81-1 and well set to post a testing total. However, UWIC were to soon be suffering a wobble as Tom Lee, operating first change, picked up two quick wickets, whilst Neil Perrett also grabbed a scalp. Within 3 overs UWIC had been reduced to 94-4. Unfortunately, this was about as good as it got for Usk as Lyle (36) and Gregory (29) wrested the initiative back and helped the visitors up to 192-5 from their allotted overs. There was time though for Kay to pick up one more wicket.

In reply the hosts got off to a smooth start as Ollie James and Iain Clayton put on 29 for the first wicket. Unfortunately both soon departed as it was left to debutant Jonathan Davies (34) and Mark Tamplin (47) to get Usk back in the game. Usk were well placed halfway through their innings as they found themselves 91-2. With Davies departing, another player on debut, Tom Baker (26) helped keep Usk in the hunt. The problem for Usk was an ever increasing run rate, which boiled down to Usk requiring 16 from the final over with 3 wickets in hand. This proved too much as Usk finished on 185-9.

With more fine weather promised this weekend, Usk are playing more friendlies. On Saturday, Usk entertain Monmouth. On Sunday, Usk have two matches, one side travels to neighbours Abergavenny, whilst the other entertains Cardiff Casuals. All three games begin at 2pm.