South East Wales Cricket League

Division 1

Sudbrook 1sts (136-2) beat Brecon 1sts (135 all out) by 8 wickets

SUDBROOK’S opening bowlers Mitchell Slape and Ryan Hudson helped set up victory and an early finish at the weekend, writes Bob Cypher.

Hudson struck first, bowling James Morgan for five before a smart catch at slip by Scott O’Leary gave Slape his first of two successes, dismissing John Kenchington without scoring,

Home skipper Jamie Watkins used his bowlers well, bringing Jonathan Lewis in from the football pitch end and switching Hudson from the opposite end.

Although he was losing partners regularly, Brecon's Richard Lovering batted cautiously, punishing any loose deliveries to make 56 before falling victim to Watkins,

Kerion Marmion (16) became Slape’s second victim, caught behind by Ross Lewis as Hudson and Jonathan Lewis ripped into the visitors’ middle order before Watkins called in Dean Wallace.

Wallace included two maidens in his seven overs, taking 4-20 while Hudson (2-30) and Slape (2-33) took a well-earned rest.

In reply, Sudbrook suffered early setbacks when opener Matthew Jones was trapped lbw by James Mitchell without scoring and number three Matthew Kinchin (nine) was caught by Lovering.

But with Lewis (68 not out) in fine touch and O’Leary (39 not out), the target was reached in the 21st over.

Sudbrook skipper Watkins was pleased with his team’s reaction after their defeat seven days earlier.

“I’m really pleased with the way the boys responded,” he said.

“Mitchell and Ryan were again a constant threat with the new ball, and Dean bowled as well as always to rip through their middle order.

“Jon Lewis bowled accurately in his spell and kept the pressure on.

“The bowlers were backed up by some good ground fielding and catching.

“Chasing a below-par score Ross was faultless and made the chase look easy, ably assisted by Scott O’Leary who scored freely to really put Brecon to the sword and give us a comprehensive victory.

“We go into next week's important double-header against Blackwood and Chepstow respectively in good spirits and look to build on our decent start to the season.

“As always there is room for improvement, but we are in good shape with a full squad to choose from.”