Abergavenny CC First XI returned to winning ways this weekend with a thumping 203 run victory over visitors Ponthir.

Aber lost the toss and were asked to bat first at Avenue Road, with the batters making Ponthir rue the decision as they racked up 311-4 with ease in their 50 overs.

Openers Morgan Bevans and Greg Fury put on 71 for the first wicket before Fury fell for 29 pulling a long hop to mid wicket.

Bevans was joined by Will Glenn and they combined for a 90 run partnership which was only ended when Bevans played on for an excellent 68.

Glenn preceded to hit the balls to all parts of Avenue Road before playing one shot too many as he was caught at point for 83.

This brought Ponthir old boy Gareth ’Pipey’ Burkitt to the crease and he combined with Adam Harrison to take the score past 300 as both players registered 50s. Burkitt smashed his former team mates to all parts in a 41 ball unbeaten 59 as Aber finished on 311.

In reply Ponthir got off to a poor start as David Clarke struck in his first over before Adam Harrison took over as he claimed 3-28.

It was then the turn of spin, as Aber’s frontline spinner Sam Clarke bowled a miserly spell of 10 overs, 2-6 with six maidens as he mesmerized the Ponthir batters who tried to survive at all costs. At the other end the oldest member of the Aber attack Andy Timpson took 2-24 from his 10 overs. Dave Clarke returned to take another wicket before skipper Leach wrapped up the victory by bowling Ponthir’s genuine number 11 as Aber ran out winners by a huge 203 runs to stay top of the league.

Next week Aber entertain Barry Athletic at Avenue Road looking to maintain their momentum at the top of the division.

AGAINST the odds, a young Aber CC thirds team carried out one of their best wins of season against a strong Garnons outfit.

Captain Mark Winstanely won the toss and elected to bat first, a wise decision on a fast outfield. Openers, Winstanley and Jon Lamont made an impressive partnership of 72, but a good delivery by Andy Johnson dismissed Lamont (29).

A young Ashley Curtis scored an explosive 27, including five boundaries, but Johnson snatched another wicket, this time caught behind.

Aber’s batting began to look wobbly as they finished 3-66 from 11 overs.

Winstanely was struggling for support, but level headed all rounder Kylie Holmes made a vital 40 runs with eight boundaries, helping the team reach an impressive 270.

Winstanely stole the show with a true captain’s knock of 126, including 17 fours and two sixes.

In reply, Aber’s healthy total was under threat due to a fast outfield and lack of bowlers.

Garnon’s opening partnership Guy Pearson Gregory and Andrew Matthews, made life difficult, but a strong delivery by the young Alex Holmes followed by a good catch from Jimmy Herrick to get Pearson Gregory out for a well batted 45 helped Abergavenny get on the front foot.

Youth players Alex Holmes and Rhodri Townsend showed great maturity by frustrating the batsmen with good line and length. A good bowling partnership between Kevin Palmer (3-16) and Jimmy Herrick took another four wickets.

Runs dried up for Garnons, but there was still a lot of overs left in the game. Kyle Holmes and Gavin Nash strained their way to bowling 24 between them and managed to pick up a couple of wickets, as Aber thirds sealed a brilliant 54 run victory.