ON Saturday Usk's First XI won a last-ball thriller against Sudbrook in a performance that bodes well for the visit of the Newport Dragons this Sunday. At Sudbrook, the hosts won the toss and inserted Usk. The visitors made a solid start as Sam Morris (32) and George Lewis (31) posted 63 for the first wicket in the first 15 overs. After Morris departed, Usk skipper, Henry Lewis joined his brother as they took the score up to 91 before the George Lewis fell. Between the 23rd over and the 48th Henry Lewis (75*) and Ollie James (74) put on 130. After 50 overs Usk finished on 241-4. Lewis' half century contained 4 fours, and James' 6 fours. For Sudbrook M. Martin took two wickets. Sudbrook's reply went at a similar pace to Usk's innings. R. Lewis (27) and M. Kinchin (94) put on 96 for the first wicket; however, in the 18th over R.Lewis was out with a second wicket falling in the same over. Despite this double blow, Sudbrook maintained the rate, and at the halfway stage they found themselves on 128-2. However, the Sudbrook innings began to slow down as Henry Lewis capped a fine match, bowling economically, and ending up with 10-1-32-3. After 38 overs Sudbrook had reached 178-6, requiring 64 from the last 12 overs. The next wicket fell with the score on 193, with 41 balls left. The target was then whittled down to 14 needed from the last over being bowled by George Lewis. With a run out, it boiled down to Sudbrook having to score two from the last ball to win. George Lewis bowled to R. Thorn who was caught by Henry Lewis; and Usk had won by a single run. That Sudbook almost reached their target is down to J. Hussey (39*), who held the lower order together.

Meanwhile, back in Usk, the second team's skipper for the day, Neil Perrett, won the toss and elected to bat. Usk's innings was frustrating as they realised only one meaningful partnership, a third wicket stand of 72 between Perrett (54) and Richie Morris (27). However, when both fell in quick succession, Usk found themselves on 137-4 with 19 overs to go. With nobody else going on Usk managed to reach 198-8 from their 50 overs. Sudbrook got off to a swift reply as they stormed to 52-1 from the opening eight overs. Although Usk continued to pick up wickets, a required run rate continually under four took the pressure off Sudbrook. Usk managed to pick up six wickets; however, by this stage just 37 runs were needed from 16 overs. Sudbrook were able to pick the remaining runs off without further loss, and more than eight overs to spare. For Usk, Alex Head bowled with spirit to finish with figures of 9-0-24-3. For Sudbrook, M. Burton top scored with 34*, while extras provided 31 runs.

On Sunday, Usk's thirds won the toss and inserted Machen. This proved a wise decision as Usk set about the Machen batting with relish. Machen were dismissed for 175, failing to use their allotted 40 overs. That they reached this was mainly down to M. Fussell scoring 87. For Usk the pick of the bowlers was Harry Morris with three wickets, while Greg Peacock also picked up a brace. Usk reached their target without many problems as they cantered home by six wickets with 14.5 overs unused, finishing on 176-4. Phil Stephens led the way with an unbeaten 89. Usk First XI will look to maintain the winning habit as they travel to Tondu this Saturday. Meanwhile the seconds will hope to bounce back at home to Lisvane. Both games begin at 1pm. Then on Sunday, Usk's First XI play in a special Charity T20 Match versus the Newport Gwent Dragons. All proceeds from the game will go to Usk CC's chosen charities Laurence Moon Bardot Beildle and St David's Foundation Hospice Care. The events main sponsor is Building Management Solutions Ltd, with the additional support from Premier Forest Products. Last year the game was cancelled because of the weather, but the Dragons are keen to keep their winning title after their victory in 2012. The Dragons side will be captained by Pat Leach who has assembled a squad that includes the likes of Aled Brew, Jason Tovey, Andy Powell and Lewis Evans who are all keen to rack up a few runs on Sunday. Usk Cricket Club Captain Henry Lewis said, "We are once again extremely grateful and privileged that the Dragons have agreed to play us in what's become a great day for the club and the town. Regretfully last years event was rained off so we've had to bide our time to avenge 2012's last ball defeat, we know that they have strong cricketers amongst their squad so it won't be easy. "Fingers crossed for some decent weather and a big crowd to help raise much needed money for our chosen charities, both of whom have given immeasurable personal support to several families at our club". The match itself starts at Usk Cricket Ground 3pm and Usk's talented juniors will be playing a game at 1pm as a warm-up. There will be lots going on throughout the afternoon and it promises to be a great day out for the whole family. You will also get a glimpse of the newly refurbished pavilion as it will be open for business. Entry is just £3 for adults and just £1 for children!