Usk experience another weekend of success

On Saturday Usk’s first and second teams took on their respective counterparts from Tondu. Both ended up comfortable victors. On Sunday Usk’s friendly team were also winners against neighbours Monkswood.

On a sunny, yet blustery day in South West Wales, Usk’s first team captain, Tom Robinson, won the toss and inserted the hosts. Tondu toiled away against Usk’s seem attack, labouring to 97-8 in the 40th over. However, Tondu rallied in the final 10 overs to elevate their score to 167-9. Owen Watkins was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 10-2-19-4. The only problem with Usk’s bowling performance was the number of wides conceded, 26 (Tondu’s second highest scorer). Because it took Usk so long to complete their 50 overs, this meant that they only had 47 overs in which to reach their target. Despite this restriction, Usk at no point looked stretched and cruised to victory. Oli James (74*) and Mark Tamplin (46) put on 116 for the first wicket. Matt Birrell (28*) then joined James and guided the visitors to a resounding 9 wicket win with 4.1 overs to spare. James’ knock included 10 fours.

Meanwhile back at the Athletic Club Ground in Usk, the visitors from Tondu won the toss and inserted their hosts. Despite one or two blips early on Usk reached 104-2 after 21 overs without any real alarms; Mike Kear stroking a stylish 38. Unfortunately at this stage, Usk suffered a double blow and the middle order, which has been proving fragile, would have to stand up and be counted. In Neil Perrett (98) and Tony Kear (30), Usk had the men for the job. The pair put on 101 for the fifth wicket, before Tony Kear was out in the 42nd over. Perrett managed to extract some runs from the tail, before being last man out in the final over, just 2 shy of a well-deserved century. His innings included 15 fours, and a six. Usk finished on 248, and claimed maximum batting points for the first time this season. For Tondu, Horne claimed figures of 7-0-35-5.

Facing a challenging total, Tondu’s reply got off to a steady enough start as Clive Holmes (29) and Ross Evans (75*) posted 65 for the first wicket. However no other player reached double figures, and wickets fell at regular intervals. Evans impressively carried his bat as Tondu were dismissed for 139 in the 39th over. Perrett capped an excellent all-round display with figures of 8.3-1-29-6. Next Saturday Usk’s firsts entertain Newport, whilst the seconds travel down the road to Spytty.

On Sunday, it was the turn of Usk’s friendly team to share in the success as they entertained Monkswood. On a perfect day for cricket, Usk won the toss and elected to bat. Gareth Webber (65) and Phil Stephens (88) led the way as Usk posted a competitive 205-6 from their 40 overs, the duo putting on 158 for the third wicket. Monkswood’s reply began well as openers M Watkins (46) and M Jones (33) took the attack to Usk. However, once they were dismissed wickets fell at regular intervals and the visitors ended up on 179 all out, the wickets being shared out amongst Usk’s bowlers. Next Sunday Usk host another friendly, as Croesyceiliog visit the Athletic Club Ground.