Usk struggle again

Usk first team could only draw this weekend against Cardiff; however, there was better news back in Usk, as the second team beat the same opponents in a thrilling contest

On a pleasant day down at the Diamond Ground, Cardiff won the toss and elected to bat first. Despite the loss of a couple of early wickets, David Brown (138) soon got the innings up and running. Brown’s century included 9 fours and 5 sixes. With good middle order support from N James (30), A Norman (50) and A Thomas (38*), Cardiff were able to post a formidable 295-6 from their 50 overs. 111 of these runs came from the final 10 overs. For Usk, Mike Reed picked up thee wicket and Huw Waters two.

Usk’s reply got off to a disastrous start as both openers fell for ducks in only the second over. Travis Townsend (82) and Ollie James (80) then steadied the ship with a third wickets partnership of 157. Townsend’s innings included 6 fours and 1 five, whilst James’ knock comprised 9 fours and 1 six. After 40 overs Usk had reached 184-4, the same number of runs as Cardiff; however Richie Catchpole (35*) and Tom Baker (21*) were unable to emulate Cardiff’s late surge as the field was spread. Usk finished on 233-4 from their 50 overs.

Meanwhile back at the Athletic Club Ground, Cardiff skipper Jon Rees won the toss and elected to field. Usk found it hard going on a stodgy pitch against a disciplined Cardiff attack, only Richie Rees, with a quickfire 47 really getting to grips with the conditions. When brother Dominic fell with the score at 121-6, Usk were staring down the barrel, with still a further 15 plus overs to negotiate. However, this was to prove the turning point of the innings as Ali Waldron came out to join James Osborne. The pair weathered the storm, then took the attack to Cardiff. Waldron scored a dashing run-a-ball 39 whilst Osborne top scored with a patient 48. After putting on what would transpire to be a match winning partnership of 83 for the seventh wicket, both fell as did two other quick wickets as Usk were dismissed in the final over of their innings for 211. For Cardiff skipper Jon Rees picked up three wickets, all falling in the final over of hi spell. Chris Fowler and David Plain also bagged a brace each.

Cardiff’s reply got off to a sound start, as 39 was posted for the first wicket before James Haswell struck. Although Usk’s bowlers kept things tight, they were finding wickets difficult to come by as Cardiff reached 117-1. With just 95 required the visitors then lost Alun Hardman (36) and James Davenport (54) in quick succession. Wickets then fell at regular intervals as Usk began to scent an opportunity. As the wickets fell the catches also stuck as Jack Stedman took three superb catches in the deep. At 189-9 and just a few overs remaining, Cardiff opted to bat for the draw. They nearly achieved this; however, from the penultimate ball of their allocated 50 overs, Dominic Rees managed to dismiss Plain, leaving Usk the victors by 14 runs. This was the last of Rees’ four wickets. Julian Smith also had an afternoon to remember in capturing three scalps.

Next week sees Usk firsts entertain Port Talbot, whilst the seconds visit the same opponents. Both games begin at 1:30pm. On Sunday, Usk firsts then entertain touring team, Lobsters CC, whilst the U-17s are away to Ebbw Vale. Both of these matches start at 2:00pm.