FRESH from their victory over Chepstow, Tondu won the toss and put a surprised Abergavenny into bat on the weekend.

The team quickly supported their captain's decision by removing debutant Cameron Herring and captain Gavin Heritage with only six runs on the board.

Lewis Parfitt who 19 hours earlier had scored a breath taking 86 in the 20/20 Macey Knock Out Cup victory at Monmouth faced an entirely different situation as he and his partner Tamoor repelled the visitors opening accurate attack. By mid stage the score had reached 95 but shortly afterwards Parfitt was out for 49.

Tamoor batting brilliantly, was assisted by some hard hitting by Bukari, Dan Cooke and Richie Roberts, to end his carefully constructed innings 126 not out at Abergavenny finished with a total of 248-6. 

In reply, Dan Cooke bowling with real pace soon dismissed opener Jamie Williamson with a rising ball which was well caught at second slip by Tamoor but it was fellow opening bowler Ali Bukariwho created havoc with his left arm swing removing the next five batsman. Liam Woolls offered lone resistance and finished 41 not out but his colleagues did not stay long and Gilani and James Hrastelj shared the final four wickets.

The victory lifted Abergavenny into third place and in fine mettle for their away game against unbeaten Panteg on Sat

Abergavenny's second XI was involved in a thrilling tied match away at Tondu.

Electing to bat in the bright sunshine, the visitors were soon in trouble at three runs for two wickets against the hosts' impressive opening attack of Paul Grabham and Nick Stoines, who made excellent use of a helpful wicket.

Colin Knight (52) and Ryland Wallace (42) had to battle hard to steady the ship, before prospering to produce a century partnership. Following their dismissals the pressing need was quick runs and Mike Devoy (31 not out), in particular, supplied this, taking the final total to 175 for six. For Tondu, young leg spinner Tom Jenkins took three wickets.

In reply, the home side batted positively, progressing to 65 for the loss of just one wicket. Nevertheless, the Abergavenny bowlers stuck admirably to their task and wickets began to fall steadily and 90 for five became 135 for eight, at which point the visitors were very much favourites to win.

Skoines had other ideas, however, and struck out fiercely, scoring a quick-fire 30 to take his side to the brink of victory. His removal opened up the game yet again and, in a dramatic finish, a run out from the final delivery of the match left the scores level. All the Abergavenny bowlers performed well, with the most impressive figures being recorded by young off spinner Matt Knight (3 for 23) and seamer Craig Whistance (3 for 21).

Later, this month – on Sunday, June 30 at 2 pm – Abergavenny Cricket Club will host a match between the current Glamorgan First XI and a team of Glamorgan 'legends', which will include seven former England players – Matthew Maynard, Huw Morris, Steve James, Steve Watkin, Robert Croft, Simon Jones and Alex Wharf. Hopefully, the match will evoke memories of the annual county matches once held at Avenue Road, which provided so much enjoyment to spectators.