MONMOUTH Cricket Club have two crucial matches

MONMOUTH Cricket Club have two crucial matches this weekend in their attempt to clinch promotion to the top flight of the Worcestershire County League.

Monmouth travel to Halesowen-based Coombs Wood on Saturday (12.30pm start) and then host Feckenham at the Sports Ground on Bank Holiday Monday.

Paul Swingwood's men are just two points adrift of the second promotion spot in Division 2 with four league matches remaining.

"It has been a great season with some excellent individual and team performances and, whatever happens in the next four matches, everyone at the club can be very proud of their efforts," said skipper Swingwood.

"Oldswinford look to have an easier run-in than us but, with only two teams being guaranteed promotion, we will be going all-out for a strong finish."

Monmouth, who are sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, were frustrated by the wet weather last weekend when their home clash with Belbroughton was washed out.

Remarkably, table-topping Pedmore managed to beat the rain and secured an emphatic home win over bottom-club Rushwick in the only match played in the division.

Pedmore are top with 303 points, while Oldswinford are second (271 points) and Monmouth (269 points), third.

Meanwhile, Monmouth Seconds remain third in Division 2 2^nd XI after rain also washed out their trip to table-topping Bewdley Seconds last Saturday.

They host bottom-of-the-table Bromyard Seconds on Saturday (12.30pm start) and then travel to Feckenham Seconds on Bank Holiday Monday.