Seconds lose again, but put up a brave fight

In Pentyrch a depleted Usk second XI lost by 6 wickets.

Losing the toss on a damp wicket, Usk 2nd XI were inserted and got off to the worst possible start, finding themselves at 7-2 from the first seven overs. It was from this unpromising beginning that Mike Kear and Richie Morris took the game to their hosts. The 3rd wicket realised 72 runs before Morris was dismissed for a stylish 44, which included 6 fours and a six. With no other batsmen managing to reach double figures on a volatile surface, Kear held the innings together with a tenacious 89. Batting at No 3, Kear’s stay at the crease began in the 2nd over, before he was dismissed in the 49th. His innings included 9 fours and 3 sixes, and helped Usk 2nd XI to see out 50 overs for only the second time this season. Usk finished on 180-9, giving them three valuable batting points.

Pentyrch got off to a terrific start in pursuit of their target, with openers Malik (81*) and Tanner (43) putting on 106 for the 1st wicket. Usk then picked up another quick wicket, with a direct hit from Phil Stevens, and started to believe again. Although the visitors picked up another two wickets before the close, neither of these included that of Malik, whose unbeaten 81 saw Pentrych home in the 41st over.



Mike Kear playing the shot that brings up his half-century