CHEPSTOW Seconds’ captain praised his young players after clinching the Division One title with three games left to play, by beating Usk Seconds at Mathern Road.
Jubilant skipper Jon Huws said the young players in the team provided the highlights in the success.
“Mike Burger, who is 14 and was making his debut for the Seconds, opened the batting and scored an incredibly mature 25,” Huws said.
“Mike battled on after taking a few heavy blows to the body on a pitch where scoring was not easy.
“He and Jamie Rayner set up the game for us when we hadn’t lost a wicket for the first 25 overs, allowing the rest of our batting line-up to play freely knowing we had wickets in hand.
“We eventually made 201 which was probably worth a lot more due to the slow nature of the pitch.
“In reply Usk were bowled out for 126 and again the highlight came from a young player.
“Ben Kellaway, 13, grabbed his first five-for wicket haul with a skilful display of medium-pace bowling.
“The opposition found him very difficult to get away.
“And 12-year-old Ollie Rayner also picked up two wickets in an excellent spell in only his second game for the Seconds.
“It was a very satisfying way to seal the league title with our youth players putting in strong performances as they have all year!”
Bob Cypher