USK seconds kicked off their season with a comprehensive 81 run victory over their visitors - Cardiff Casuals.
After winning the toss, skipper Sanjay Thapan elected to bat and this proved a wise decision as Mike Kear and Rich Catchpole put on 42 for the first wicket.
With Catchpole then being caught behind, Captain Thapan strode to the crease and maintained the momentum set by the openers.
Thapan was the next to go for 34, with the score on 130-2 after 23 overs. Usk then lost a couple of quick wickets, including that of Kear, who had made 76, including 9 nine fours.
After 28 overs Usk were 152-4. However, any hope the Casuals had of running through the Usk middle order soon disappeared as Pat Rodden (56*) and Ali Waldron posted a fifth wicket stand of 102 in a little over 10 overs. Usk closed on 259-5.
In reply the Casuals got off to a quickfire start as E Stewart, who made a stylish 49, and D Britton put on 52 for the first wicket in the opening 10 overs, before Dave Bond struck for Usk.
The turning point of the game came when debutant Jakin Patel came on for the hosts. His leg breaks and googlies left his opponents thoroughly befuddled, as he ripped through the heart of the Casuals batting in an amazing spell of 8-1-38-6.
The writing was on the wall for the Casuals, and the end soon came when Bond took his second wicket to finish off the Casuals' innings in the 38th over.
Usk continue their friendly programme this weekend, when they entertain Panteg on Saturday and Monkswood on Sunday. Both matches commence at 2:00pm.
ABERGAVENNY put in an all-round and promising team performance to secure an opening win against Malpas.
Put into bat by, Abergavenny were determined to avenge last seasons 10 wicket drubbing and with Greg Fury leading the way with an aggressive 28 and contributions from debutant Richie Morris and stalwart Ryland Wallace the score mounted.
Gavin Heritage benefited from the effort he has shown in the winter nets and the coaching of Graham Burgess and compiled 67 at just over a run a ball before he was run out and after the 45 overs were used Abergavenny were 179-7.
The lush outfield was restricting the fours but the pitch had carry and bounce and encouraged the seamers but it was veteran Andy Timpson who slowed the scoring rate and was rewarded with two wickets.
Gavin Heritage bowled a fiery six overs and one bouncer split the batsmans helmet and his bowling aided his fellow bowler 16-year- old Tom Griffiths who keeping the ball well up to the bat was rewarded with the excellent figures of 4-27.
Keeper Greg Fury showed that the crooked finger obtained playing University rugby during the winter was not a handicap with three sharp catches and one legside stumping.
Malpas were all out in the 42nd over for 147 and Abergavenny won by 32 runs in a game in which every player contributed and had a worthwhile run out.