Usk gain revenge on holders Newport in cup

On a hot weekend in South Wales, Usk first team had a weekend to remember as they thrashed Blackwood in the league on Saturday before eliminating local rivals from the Welsh Cup on Sunday. In contrast the second team had a day to forget as they were beaten heavily in Blackwood, although on Sunday the third eleven restored some pride with a friendly victory away to Llanvapley.

At the Athletic Club Ground on Saturday, Blackwood won the toss and elected to bat. This proved an awful decision as the Usk bowlers set about their task with relish. Skipper, Tom Robinson, was the first to strike in only the second over. Blackwood never really got going and limped to 110 all out in the 37th over. This would have been even worse had it not been for extras top scoring with 33. The pick of Usk’s bowlers was Mike Read, who ended up with figures of 6.4-0-19-3. Usk’s reply was nigh on perfect as Ian Clayton (66*) and Mark Tamplin (31*) guided the hosts to a 10-wicket victory in a matter of just 16.5 overs.

Meanwhile, the seconds travelled to Blackwood and were instead on the receiving end of a drubbing. The hosts won the toss and chose to bat. Blackwood’s innings was a strange affair as Usk dominated the first half, reducing their hosts to 98-6 in the 30th over, with Julian Smith capturing figures of 10-4-24-5; Blackwood then took control as they scored at a run a ball to reach 228-8 at the end of their allocated 50 overs. Usk’s reply never really got off the ground and would have been cause for embarrassment had it not been for Richie Rees (47) and Jack Stedman (24) at least ensuring that Usk finished on 129, gaining a solitary batting point in the process.

Arguably the highlight of Usk’s weekend was on Sunday when Usk defeated Newport in the Welsh Cup. Usk winners in 2007, were knocked out last season by Newport, who went on to lift the trophy, so this was a very satisfying victory. The visitors from Newport won the toss and elected to bat. Newport got off to the worst possible start as Tom Robinson struck in the first over. Usk’s bowlers continued to probe as the visitors laboured to 99-6 after 30 overs. However, Newport’s lower middle order rallied and carried their total up to 193-9 after their allocated 45 overs. For Usk, Robinson, Mark Tamplin and Oliver James each picked up a brace.

As they had the day before, openers Tamplin (69) and Clayton (47) got Usk’s reply off to a fine start, putting on 88 for the first wicket. Matt Birrell (27) then joined Tamplin in taking the score to 145-2 after 34 overs. With Usk in control, they then suffered a slight wobble by losing three wickets on this score, before Huw Waters (29*) and Seb Warwick (17*) steadied the ship and guided Usk home with 6 wickets with 10 balls to spare.

Whilst these exciting event were taking place at the Athletic Club Ground, an Usk 3rd XI were gaining a victory away at Llanvapley. In this 40-over friendly Usk fielded first and did well to restrict their hosts to 143-3. In reply Usk coasted to a comfortable target with Dave Egerton (69) and Richie Barrett (61*) leading the charge; Usk winning in the 31st over with 6 wickets to spare.

This Saturday see the first team visit Croesyceiliog and the seconds entertain Chepstow. Both matches begin at 1pm.