Jones on form as Usk enjoy double success

On Saturday Usk enjoyed a winning draw at home to Newport in the league. They followed this on the Sunday with a third round Welsh Cup victory at home to Panteg.

Against Newport, Neil Perrett won the toss and elected to bat. Despite the loss of an early wicket, this decision was soon vindicated, as Ian Clayton and Huw Waters took Usk up to 92-2 in the 26th over. Clayton then departed for 65, which included 11 fours and a six. However, the platform had been laid. Mike Jones strode to the crease and Usk never looked back. He and Waters added 130 for the 3rd wicket before Waters fell, also for 65. His knock included seven fours. Jones was in destructive form and reached his fifty from 45 balls and his century from 73. His unbeaten 104 included 16 fours and helped the hosts to an eventual total of 264-3 from their allocated 50 overs.

Newport’s reply began slowly as Jason Cook kept things very tight. However, it was Waters that was first to strike, as the visitors lost their first wicket with the score on 33. Cook then gained a deserved wicket and Tom Robinson two as Newport struggled to 80-4. Newport then had their best spell of the game as Cleeve (65) and Roberts (88*) put on 69 for the 5th wicket. Jones then bowled Cleeve, and from here Newport lost wickets steadily and collapsed to 179-9 in the 41st over. Usk at this stage looked odds on for a victory, but Newport dug deep with Roberts and Aingworth holding out for a draw. Newport finished on 228-9. Mike Jones finished with figures of 10-0-53-3 to go with his earlier century.

The next day against Panteg, Usk won an entertaining game by 6 wickets. On a sunny day at the Athletic Club Ground Panteg batted first and made steady progress. Wickets were hard to come by for Usk, with those that did fall all going to spinners. Tony Kear was the pick with 5-0-35-2. For Panteg, Read (80) and Harrison (54*) ensured that a testing target was set helping the visitors reach 220-4 fro their 45 overs.

Usk’s reply got off to a dreadful start. Both openers departed with only 17 on the board. Importantly though the third wicket did not fall until the score had reached 190. Oli James and Mike Jones’ stand of 173 lasted 32 overs and put Usk in the driving seat. At this score Jones fell one short of what would have been a second century of the weekend. His 99 included 8 fours. James ensured that there would be no wobbles towards the target. He finished on 85 not out as Usk reached their target with 11 balls to spare. His knock included 5 fours. Usk now go through to Round 4 of the Welsh Cup. This tie will be played on 6th July.