Usk lose in close encounter

At the Athletic Club Ground, Usk’s first XI lost narrowly to Pentyrch, succumbing by two wickets in the final over.

Despite the visitors inserting Usk on a slow wicket, the hosts started brightly enough with Ian Clayton and Ollie James putting on 52 for the 1st wicket. Although Clayton, departed for 20, Neil Perrett then came in and he and James took the score to 130 in the 39th over. James then fell for 67, which had included 6 fours and a six. With 8 wickets in hand and 11 overs still to bat, Usk had the ideal platform from which to launch their assault. Unfortunately wickets fell at regular intervals; Perrett fell for 39 and Owen Watkins smashed a quick 23. Usk’s last six wickets fell for as many runs as they finished on 184 all out from the final delivery. For Pentyrch Grossett was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 10-1-38-4.

Usk’s defence of this small total got off to a decent start as they took early wickets; Pentyrch quickly finding themselves 34-4 in the 8th over. Watkins devastated the top order with his swing bowling. However, the visitors began to rebuild and did not lose another wicket until their score reached 92. Another mini-collapsed ensued though and Usk looked strong favourites when they reduced Pentyrch to 124-7. With 60 required from the final 15 overs, run rate was never going to be the issue for Pentyrch, just wickets remaining, as they edged towards their target. With 13 needed, Usk picked up their 8th wicket to put the match back in the balance, but it was not to be. Going into the final over Pentyrch wanted just two runs for victory, which was sealed with a four from the first delivery. This was fittingly struck by Arif, whose 59 not out had held Pentyrch’s effort together. For Usk, Watkins finished with the excellent figures of 10-1-28-4, and Tom Lee 8-1-26-2.