Monmouth Seconds 254-6 Stourport-on-Severn Seconds 204-7

MARTIN Newell gave a chairman's performance in Monmouth Seconds' winning draw against visiting Stourport-on-Severn last Saturday.

Newell hit 85 and then snapped up 4-49 as Monmouth took the lion's share of the points in a hard-fought Worcestershire County League 2nd XI Division 2 draw.

Newell and Jag Saran (31) laid the foundations of Monmouth's competitive 254-6 on an excellent pitch at the Sports Ground.

The duo shared an opening stand of 72 which paved the way for some big hitting from vice-skipper Alim Hansraj who smashed 77 balls from just 55 balls.

Captain Jon Despontin weighed in with an unbeaten 41 and the only disappointment was Newell's departure just 15 runs short of a deserved century.

Monmouth Seconds, sponsored by the Jewel Balti, took early wickets to reduce the Worcestershire side to 23-2.

However, Alan Lockwood (84) and Conor Franklyn (41) repaired the damage before Newell hit back to claim 4-49 from 14 overs in a superb all-round display.

James Taylor (1-34 from seven overs), Richard Shaw (1-46 from 11) and spinner Hansraj (1-60 from 17) all took wickets but Stourport closed on 204-7.

Shaw and Hansraj also took good catches, while Mike Underwood, Tony Jones, Gareth Hughes, Lee Newell and Idris Leonard impressed in the field.

The match balls were sponsored by Ian Bowen and Nigel Morris Cleaning Ltd.

Monmouth Seconds travel to Rushwick Seconds in the league on Saturday and then make the short trip to Ross Cricket Club on Tuesday, May 25 for a Twenty20 friendly, starting at 6pm.

For more details about the club, call chairman Martin Newell on 07525 616987 or e-mail:martinnewell72@hotmail.com