News from the 2nds

Seconds thrashed by Cardiff After a promising first victory of the season last weekend, Usk, again depleted by lack of availability, were soundly beaten by a powerful Cardiff side, losing by 8 wickets. On a beautiful, sunny, hot day at the Athletic Club ground, Mark Chalker, returning from injury, won the toss and decided to bat. Despite the loss of early wickets, Jake Roderick and Richie Rees batted solidly taking the hosts up to 82-3 in the 18th over. Unfortunately Roderick then chased a wide delivery to be snaffled for a well-struck 42, his innings including 6 fours and 1 six. This then prompted the customary collapse by the Usk batsmen. With wickets tumbling at the other end Rees decided that the best form of defence was to take the attack to the Cardiff bowlers. Rees’ brave defiance left him stranded on 69 not out, a knock which included 6 fours and 3 sixes. The Usk innings closed on 169 in the 36th over. The pick of the bowlers for Cardiff were Phillips and Rees, who each finished with fours wickets. In such batsman-friendly conditions, this was always going to be way below par. With so many overs at their disposal to achieve their target, Cardiff approached their task with a degree of circumspection. Jimmy Spencer bowled a miserly spell without reward. However it was Julian Smith who was first to strike, removing Powell for 36. By this stage Cardiff had already posted 94 for the first wicket and were well on their way. The only other wicket to fall was taken by Jordan Boxall-James, as he had Bridgeman well caught in the deep by Gavin Jones for 42. This at least ensured that Usk earned a bowling bonus point. Unfortunately this was too little too late, as Mitha (49*) guided Cardiff home in the 33rd over.