SOUTH EAST WALES LEAGUE

USK gave their Thomas Carroll South East Wales Cricket League Division One survival hopes another timely boost as they won by seven wickets under Duckworth-Lewis rules in a rain-affected clash at Chepstow.

Hosts Chepstow were put in after losing the toss and were bowled out for 173 despite 76 from opener Gareth Ansell, while skipper Jason Dobbie chipped in with 35.

Ben Jones and Paul Murphy both collected three wickets apiece.

After the rain came down Usk were given a revised target of 136 off 32 overs and they got those with five overs to spare with Hywel Rose (32 no) and Iain Clayton (38no) seeing them home. HEAVY rain in Pembrokeshire resulted in the abandonment of the prestigious Harris-Allen Bowl final at Cresselly – and a second attempt will be made to play it a week today.

After a delayed start Lawrenny won the toss and put Cresselly in to bat.

It made it back-to-back victories for Usk, who had started the weekend in the bottom two, and followed up on last weekend’s win at Pentyrch.

In Division Two, leaders Monmouth’s title charge continues after they won by 10 wickets against Ponthir also under Duckworth-Lewis.

Ponthir were all out for 108 after being inserted, with Paul Swingwood and Alim Hansraj both picking up three wickets.

Then, after a lengthy spell of rain, Monmouth were given a revised target of 66 off 26 overs, but they got them in 8.2 overs with Josh Grey’s unbeaten 44 leading them to victory.

Division Three title chasers Sully

Cresselly,the pre-event favourites reached 31-1 before thunder and hailstones wrecked any chance of there being a completion.

Dan Sutton was the batsman dismissed – he was run out for 17.

“This is always a day we look forward Centurions were five-wicket winners at Machen.

The hosts, who won the toss and elected to bat, were all out for 135 in 42.2 overs with Delme Smith (38) their leading run getter.

But Sully knocked off the runs required in 20.3 overs with David Goodway leading them to their target on 31 not out.

Also in Division Three, Monkswood were winners by 94 runs at Dinas Powys.

Monkswood made 201-9 after being put in with Mike Watkins (45) and Mike Jones (43) chipping in with valuable runs.

Kevin Brooks then took 4-15 as Dinas were all out for 107 in reply. and it is unfortunate after the fine summer this should happen,” said a Pembrokeshire cricket spokesman.

There was no Pembrokeshire fixture list planned for yesterday in Pembrokeshire because of the Harrison-Allen Bowl.