USK laid claim to the Macey Cup in some style as Travis Townsend knocked Newport out of contention with an unbeaten 105.
On an overcast Friday evening at Croesyceiliog CC, Newport won the toss and elected to bat. This looked a smart move as their openers plundered 40 from the first four overs. It was in the fifth over that Ollie James struck, aided by a smart catch from keeper Tom Baker.
With three wickets falling in four overs, Newport had to consolidate for a while. In the 15th over Newport had reached 107-3 and were looking to launch; however the lower middle order had reckoned without some inspired bowling and fielding from Usk.
Dominic Rees picked up three wickets, whilst Travis Townsend and Tom Robinson took excellent sprawling catches in the outfield to help the effort.
In reaching 153-8 from their 20 overs, Newport were largely indebted to contributions from G. Wood (43) and G. Thomas (46).
Usks reply was dominated by one man, Travis Townsend. After being bowled off a no-ball in only the second over of the innings, Townsend made the most of this let off as he smashed the ball to all parts. He reached his century with consecutive sixes, which also took Usk to a seven-wicket victory in only the 16th over. His unbeaten 105 included eight fours and seven sixes, and lasted 58 balls and 60 minutes.
However, the following day the firsts were brought back down to earth with a bump as they suffered a heavy defeat at home to Ynysygerwn.
Usk skipper Tom Robinson won the toss and elected to field first. Despite the loss of an early wicket, the Ynysygerwn top order made a competent start.
Two partnerships dominated the visitors innings: a third wicket stand of 73 between Alex McCormack (68) and Sam Davies (105*); and a fifth wicket stand of 95 between Davies and Nicholas Maggs (37).
Ynysygerwn reached 278-5 from 48 overs. Daviess century included 10 fours and two sixes. For Usk, Oliver James picked up a brace of wickets.
Usks reply got off to a sound enough start as 40 was posted for the first wicket; however, things changed as soon as spinner Mark Davies was introduced. Davies ripped out the heart of the Usk batting as he finished with the figures of 11-0-34-5. In a total of 171 all out, only Travis Townsend (51) got to grips with Davies.
Meanwhile down in West Wales, the seconds continued their impressive run of form by beating their Ynysgerwn counterparts.
Sanjay Thapan won the toss and elected to field. Ynysygerwn got off to a good start as 51 was put on for the first wicket. However, the innings was a tale of good starts but no one building anything significant as the top four batsmen were all dismissed in the twenties. With only two other batsmen making double figures, Ynysygerwn were dismissed for a disappointing 144.
The Rees brothers did the damage with the ball: Dominic finishing with figures of 12-1-27-5 and Richard also picking up three wickets.
Usks reply was a similar story as plenty of players making the sort of starts they failed to live up to. With the game finely balanced at 107-7, it was left to Dominic Rees (28*) to see Usk home as they crept over the line with two wickets to spare.
Next weekend sees the firsts making the long journey down to Ammanford whilst the seconds entertain the same opponents. Both games begin at 1:30pm. On Sunday, the firsts then entertain Bristol in a friendly, whilst the U-17s travel to neighbours Newport. Both of these matches begin at 2:00pm.