ABERGAVENNY CC's second team ended their poor run of recent form with a good home win in a low scoring contest over bottom of the table Blackwood Town on Saturday.

After losing the toss on a damp wicket, Abergavenny were surprised to be asked to field first in conditions that appeared conducive for bowling.

The Blackwood innings got off to a slow start, with opening bowlers Dan Cooke and Greg Spencer bowling an effective spell.

By the sixth over the pressure had begun to tell and Spencer took the first wicket with the score still only eight through a catch by Douglas Spencer – One of five dismissals for the wicketkeeper.

There followed a period of consolidation for Blackwood as opener Darling and new batsman Clark put together a useful stand of 55, before Darling was trapped LBW by Tom Griffiths for 10.

Experienced Warlock Andy Timpson was then introduced into the attack to cast his enchantments and spells (through subtle changes of pace, bounce and occasionally spin) over the Blackwood batting line-up, however he initially proved that conditions were not quite as easy for bowling as it appeared by slipping to the turf while delivering his first ball.

He did however pick himself up to bowl a teasing spell and precipitate a batting collapse.

In tandem with Timpson's young apprentice Matt Knight (2-30), the pair began to exert a measure of control over their opponents and wickets began to fall at regular intervals with only Clark who compiled an impressive fifty putting up any resistance.

When he fell to Timpson (3-11) all that was left was for Abergavenny to mop up the tail which Colin Knight duly did as Blackwood surrendered for what seemed to be a well below par 94. Although this was still more than what they might have scored considering the hosts donated 22 wides to that total.

Abergavenny's reply started brightly with Cooke thrashing some wayward early bowling to the boundary, before Heritage fell to an outstanding catch at cover point. Progress began to slow and as further wickets fell 94 appeared to be a long way off.

When Cooke was caught for 30 with the score at 59-4, Blackwood were right back in the game and sensed another couple of wickets would put them well on top. However patient innings from James Schofield (13 not out) and Douglas Spencer (17 not out) saw the hosts to a much needed victory despite some tight bowling and fielding from Blackwood.

The home side will be pleased with both the result and some badly needed confidence, but there will be tougher challenges ahead, starting with a local derby against Usk next week.