USK CC had a weekend to forget. On Saturday both the first and second teams lost their respective matches to Pentrych, then on Sunday the third XI were well beaten by Panteg/Pentwyn 'A.' At Pentrych, Henry Lewis won the toss and inserted the hosts on an overcast day. This looked a smart move as Pentyrch lost a wicket in only the second over. However, their top order performed well, especially J. Thorp-Yon (61) and ex-Glamorgan star, Mike Powell (83), who put on 97 together for the 3rd wicket. The pair guided Pentyrch to a respectable 253-6 from their 50 overs. For Usk James Colthard picked up 3-48, while Ollie James and Pat Rodden also chipped in with a wicket each. Usk's reply got off to a terrible start as they lost a wicket in the first over before a run had been scored. Usk really struggled to get going as they laboured to 15-3 after 11 overs. Apart from Ollie James who held the innings together with a fine 82, including 10 fours and 3 sixes, no other Usk batsman was able to pass 15. Usk were all out in the 36th over for 144. A defeat by 109 runs. P.Grossett and Steve Matthews each picked up three wickets for Pentyrch.

Meanwhile back in Usk Pentyrch seconds won the toss and elected to field. However, it was the hosts who made the better start. Despite the loss of their first wicket with 33 on the board, the Usk innings was dominated by a second wicket partnership of 148 between in-form opener, Mark Tamplin (87), and skipper, Andy Evans (84). Tamplin's 87 included 12 fours, while Evans' 84 included 11. Usk finished on 231-5 from their allotted 45 overs. Pentyrch's reply got off to a good start as the top order played well. Suddenly a target of 232 did not look that imposing. S. Hood (115*) guided the visitors to a comfortable eight-wicket win inside 42 overs, finishing on 232-2. As well as Hood batted, Usk will not be happy with dropping him four times. On Sunday, Panteg/Pentwyn 'A' won the toss and elected to bat. The visitors made steady progress as they posted 192-9 from their 40 overs. C. Mee top scored with 56, while for Usk Ben Jones, Greg Peacock, and skipper, Alex Head each picked up a brace. Usk's reply started well as Josh Carpenter (29) helped put on 46 for the first wicket. At 102-2 in the 24th over, Usk were well placed with Phil Stephens (33) and Joe Peacock (22) going well. When both were out within an over of one another, Usk then collapsed to 127 all out. C. Mee and S. Clarke each picked up a couple of wickets for the visitors. This Saturday both the firsts and seconds will look to return to winning ways when the firsts entertain St. Fagans, and the seconds travel to play the same opponents. Both games begin at 1pm. Then on Sunday, the 3rd XI are in action when they travel to play Newbridge. Play in this game starts at 2pm.