With Usk CC’s firsts game against Newbridge cancelled last Saturday, the focus switched to the seconds, who were entertaining the same opponents.

Newbridge captain, Jonathan Wellington, won the toss and elected to field. However, it was Usk who made the better start as openers Matt and Jason Cook put on 68 for the first wicket.

A few quick wickets then reduced the hosts to 84-3. Dominic Rees (46) then joined Jason Cook (83) and the two of them added 115 for the fouth wicket.

Further cameos from Os Knight (27) and Jack Turner (21*) guided Usk to an impressive 270-8 from their 45 overs. Top scorer Jason Cook’s knock included 10 fours and two sixes. For Newbridge, Tom Witcombe picked up three wickets.

Newbridge’s reply got off to a great start as Euan Tippings (64) and skipper Jonathan Wellington (39) put on 84 for the first wicket.

Eliot Jenkins (50) then joined Tippings. At 150-1, the visitors were well placed to chase down their target of 271. However, Usk’s spin twins, Neil Perrett and Greg Peacock had other ideas. Perrett removed Tippings with the score at 150, then shortly after Peacock captured the wicket of Jenkins.

Peacock then went on to rip out the Newbridge middle order. Peacock finished with figures of 9-0-62-5, his second consecutive five wicket haul (18 wickets in the last four league matches), while Perrett ended up with three wickets. Newbridge were all out for 246 in the 45th over of their innings.

Usk firsts will be hoping to return to action this Saturday when they entertain Sudbrook (a 50 over game with play beginning at 12:30pm), while the seconds travel to the same opponents (45 overs per side with play commencing at 1pm).