Usk CC made a solid start to the season with the firsts enjoying a winning weekend against Newbridge and Crumlin.

Last Saturday at the Athletic Club Ground, Newbridge won the toss and elected to field. Usk lost wickets steadily, although a number of batsmen made double figures. It was new captain, Tom Robinson, who top scored with 48. Usk finished on 189 from 49.4 overs. For Newbridge, Ryan Watkins and Ben Wellington each picked up three wickets.

Newbridge also struggled to get going with a number of their batsmen making starts but failing to go on. Wellington top scored for them with 43; however three wickets each from Neil Perrett and Chris Douglas restricted the visitors to 175 all out; leaving Usk victorious by 14 runs.

Meanwhile Usk seconds travelled to play the same opponents. The hosts won the toss and elected to field. Despite the loss of early wickets, opener Matt Hancock (49*) and Jake Roderick (40) got the innings up and running. After Roderick fell, Dominic Rees (62) then kept Hancock company to help guide Usk to 195-6 after 45 overs. Joe Westwood, Lee Tyler and Chris James each picked up a brace for the hosts.

Newbridge’s openers took the game by the scruff of the neck, looking to complete the job on their own. Travis Morgan (74) fell shortly before the end; however Euan Tippings (84*) guided them to their target without further loss. The hosts finished on 196-1 from just 32.3 overs; a victory by nine wickets.

On Sunday, Usk travelled to Crumlin in the first round of the Welsh Cup. Hosts Crumlin batted first and were all out for 136 with Chris Douglas picking up three wickets. Usk had few difficulties chasing down their target in just 20 overs with nine wickets to spare, finishing on 137-1.

This weekend sees Usk firsts travelling to Sudbrook, while the seconds entertain the same opponents. The firsts’ match will begin at 12:30pm (a 50-over contest), while the seconds will commence their 45-over game at 1pm.