Cricket Report by the Captain of the 1st XI:
The first weekend of the 2016 Season saw Monmouth Juniors taking on Llandaff. The Under 13As comfortably won their first match of the season. Batting first, a score of 213 for 1 was posted in 30 overs. This included a score of 135 not out by Harry. His partnership of 160 runs for the first wicket with Joe, who scored an excellent 49, is believed to be a record at this level, as is Harry’s individual score. A committed fielding and bowling performance, despite the unusually cold conditions, ensured Llandaff were bowled out for 65. The victory margin of 148 runs bodes very well for the season ahead. The under 12A’s also played well but lost a close game by 25 runs.
The rest of Monmouth’s teams took on Dean Close. Away from home, The U15 A’s were unfortunately beaten by 89 runs and the U15 B’s lost a closer game by 2 wickets with John taking 6 wickets. However the seconds were able to achieve a Monmouth victory, chasing down their target of 167 thanks largely to an impressive 70 from Max. Back at home, the U14A’s and B’s unfortunately suffered 2 defeats losing by 52 and 77 runs respectively. Despite the A’s loss, Ben produced a stand-out performance taking 6 wickets; in doing so he demonstrated the perfect way to close out an innings taking a hat trick with the last 3 balls of Dean Close’s innings.
The first Team started their season plagued with injuries, as Ollie looks set to miss a large number of games with a broken thumb along with star batsmen Jamie having to sit out with a damaged shoulder. Despite these losses, a young and relatively inexperienced Monmouth side started superbly in the field. The exuberance of the first game resulted in an energetic fielding display in which good catches were taken throughout. An Economical opening spell of bowling from Luke and Glen left Dean close 30-2 after 15 overs and they never recovered making 123 from their 35 overs. In reply, Monmouth got off to a good start with a composed 39 from Angus on debut. Despite some nervy batting, we were able to win relatively comfortably by 2 overs to spare. On Sunday, the team travelled to RGS Worcester for a day of T20, which saw both games played, go down to the last ball. Unfortunately an honest assessment would say that we underperformed, as a score of 130 in the first match vs dean close was very modest after another decent start with Ben making 40. With Dean Close getting off to a quick start, in truth, the win always looked unlikely as this time poor fielding saw us give up chances regularly. However with 3 to win off the last over, tight bowling and nervy batting left the score tied with one ball to go. Unfortunately I was unable to execute and dean close won the game with the streakiest of shots through fine leg. The second dead rubber against Wycliffe was played on what can only be described as short boundaries. Ben and I got off to a flyer with Monmouth reaching 80 off 8 overs with 8 sixes, 6 of which from Ben who at times throughout the weekend looked like he was batting on a different wicket to the rest. Despite this, Monmouth faltered and a score of 155 looked very chasable for Wycliffe. However brilliant death bowling from Luke ensured Monmouth won by 1 run as he held his nerve finishing the innings with a dot ball and a wicket. An Indifferent start to the season leaves us with lots to work on in training, however there is much reason to be optimistic about the upcoming campaign.
