Monmouth clinch winning draw

Monmouth 234-5 Burghill & Tillington 152-8

MONMOUTH Cricket Club secured a winning draw over visiting Burghill & Tillington to move to the top of the Worcestershire County League Division 2 table.

The Welsh club picked up the lion's share of the points against the high-flying Hereford outfit who were missing their New Zealand talisman Alex Hedges.

After being inserted, Monmouth struggled early on in favourable bowling conditions, limping to 78 for 4 in Bank Holiday Monday's top-of-the-table clash at the Sports Ground.

A partnership of 114 between skipper Paul Swingwood (65 not out) and keeper Dan Head (78) put Monmouth back in contention.

Jonathan Jones bludgeoned 33 not out from 14 balls, while Josh Grey hit a classy 31 as Monmouth posted a competitive 234-5 in their 50 overs.

Mike Pledge (2-37) was the pick of the Hereford club's bowlers while there was one wicket apiece for Kingsley Morris, Denholm Smith and Mark Preece.

In reply, Monmouth, sponsored by J D Wetherspoon, were indebted to spinner Aled Jones (5-36 from 17 overs) who produced a faultless spell. He was supported by Jonathan Roberts (2-45) and left arm spinner Jon Jones (1-29).

Burghill finished on 152-8 as a solid fielding display from Monmouth, which included six catches, meant they gained 17 points for the winning draw.

Monmouth travel to Belbroughton on Saturday and will hope to continue their unbeaten start to the season. Monday's match ball were sponsored by Mike Roberts and life member Ian Bowen.