FORMER skipper Dan Head struck his second consecutive half-century in Monmouth's narrow two-wicket defeat at Chepstow in an entertaining friendly.

Head hit an impressive 74, while spinner Aled Jones (3-22) and seamer Jordan Charles also shone in Monmouth's second-and-final warm-up match.

Mitchell Harris (16 not out) and wicket-keeper Phil Bishop (8 not out) sealed Chepstow's victory with an unbroken 32-run ninth-wicket-stand with just five balls remaining.

Chepstow captain Luke Sellers, the Herefordshire Minor Counties seam bowler, would have been pleased to see his troops squeeze home last Saturday.

But Monmouth's skipper Jon Despontin will be delighted with the spirit shown from his team which contained only three first-team regulars from last season.

The friendly was an entertaining affair between two local clubs who must be keen to make the game a more permanent fixture in their calendars.

Monmouth can now look forward to launching their fourth Worcestershire County League Division 2 campaign with a trip to Netherton on Saturday.

Against Chepstow, a solid opening stand of 71 between Head and Ian Morgan (30) laid the foundations of Monmouth's 178-7 from 40 overs.

The Monmouth duo were restricted in the early stages by excellent bowling from Chepstow newcomer Alex Ollerenshaw (1-23 from eight overs) and Rhodri Fawsitt.

Monmouth's innings slipped to 94-4 before Head was joined by Jonathan Jones (12) and then second-team captain Despontin.

After Head's excellent knock was ended by Fawsitt (1-41), Despontin struck an entertaining unbeaten 23, including a boundary from a Dilshan scoop shot.

Young spinner Mitchell Harris (1-23 from eight) bowled very well for Chepstow and was backed up by Sellers (1-45) and Malith Madurasinghe (1-26).

Charles (1-28 from seven) struck an early blow for Monmouth with the prized wicket of Chepstow's Carwyn James for just four off the third ball of the innings.

But Chepstow recovered through Madurasinghe (28) and Alex Winter (28) before Monmouth fought back to reduce the hosts from 81-1 to 102-5.

Sellers (31), Jeremy Stead (14) and Ollerenshaw (10) steadied Chepstow's reply, while Monmouth's leading bowler Aled Jones was supported by Jonathan Jones (2-34 from eight), Cole McConchie (1-17) and Alim Hansraj (1-35).

Monmouth, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, looked in a strong position to clinch victory when Chepstow's innings fell to 147-8.

However, Chepstow's young ninth-wicket pair stood firm and struck two sixes to set up their last-over triumph.

McConchie and Head each took a catch for Monmouth, while Head also made a stumping. David Sweeting and Cedric Gibbons sponsored the match balls.

Meanwhile, Monmouth's senior nets will be taking place on Wednesday at Monmouth Comprehensive School from 6pm to 8pm.

The training for the club's under-11, under-13 and under-15 junior teams will be held, also at the comprehensive school, on Thursday from 6pm to 7.15pm.

For more details on Monmouth Cricket Club, call chairman Martin Newell on 07525 616987.