MONMOUTH Seconds could be rueing a couple of poor mid-season displays

MONMOUTH Seconds could be rueing a couple of poor mid-season displays at the end of this memorable Worcestershire County League 2^nd XI Division 2 campaign.

The Welsh side recorded a comfortable five-wicket victory at struggling Worcester Dominies Seconds last Saturday to secure their ninth successive league win.

But Monmouth remain in third spot - 22 points behind second-placed Alvechurch & Hopwood, who host Worcester Dominies Seconds in their last match of the season on Saturday.

Monmouth Seconds round off their season with a ‘home' match against Harborne Fourths at Colwall's Ghost Meadow ground on Saturday.

Monmouth wicketkeeper Jon Despontin claimed two dismissals against Dominies and now needs just one more victim to equal the 2^nd XI Division 2 league record.

Monmouth School pupil Andrew Thomas (3-32) and Richard Shaw (0-9 off six overs) gave Dominies' batsmen early problems and the hosts eventually fell to 154 all out.

Martin Newell and Alim Hansraj claimed two wickets each while there was also scalps for Dan Risk and Ben Jenkins.

Adam Clements (35) and Devin Ward (28) offered some resistance but the hosts were all out for a below par 154. There were catches for Thomas (2), Jenkins and Rick Parkes.

In reply, Monmouth Seconds, sponsored by the Jewel Balti, started their run-chase well thanks to openers Jag Saran (19) and Newell (27).

The big-hitting Dan Risk top scored with 40 from just 32 balls, smashing three sixes and three boundaries in a swashbuckling innings.

Gareth Hughes (23) and Thomas (12) also contributed before all-rounder Mike Underwood cracked two successive boundaries to steer Monmouth to victory with nine overs remaining.

The match balls were sponsored by Richard Isaac dental surgeon and club treasurer David Williams.

Current 2^nd XI Division 2 league table: 1 Bewdley Seconds 340 points, 2 Alvechurch & Hopwood Seconds 319 points, 3 MONMOUTH SECONDS 297 POINTS, 4 Stourport Seconds 274 points.