AN opening stand of more than 200, including an Ian Morgan century, saw Monmouth Cricket Club's second XI return to winning ways with a 68-run win away at Vale.

The home team won the toss and took to the field with just eight players. With this disadvantage, Vale understandably found it heavy going as Monmouth's opening partnership of Ian Morgan and Rob Pendleton batted confidently and took full advantage of the gaps in the field, progressing to 215 without loss.

Vale finally got the wicket of Morgan (104) shortly after he brought up an assured century that included 16 fours, and that of Pendleton (91), who fell off the last ball of the innings, with Monmouth, sponsored by the Kings Head, finishing on 223-2 from their 40 overs.

In reply Vale, with a side that featured a number of players who had mainly been playing first-team cricket this season, made steady progress and progressed to 123 without loss.

With 18 overs remaining and all Vale's wickets in hand, Monmouth were unable to take the few sharp chances that came their way. This was despite hard-working bowling spells from Luke Bowley, George Williamson, Ben Pilot and Josh Hughes, and an unlikely home victory seemed ever more likely.

The introduction of Monmouth's Richard Shaw and Aled Jones into the attack stemmed the run-rate though and the game swung in dramatic fashion during a four-over spell that saw Vale's openers J. Davies (65) dismissed by Shaw (2-25 from 8 overs), and A. Stephens stumped by wicket-keeper Barry Jones off the bowling of Monmouth skipper Rick Parkes (1-8).

Jones finished his spell with a deserved two wickets in his final over, ending on 2-27 from eight overs, while Williamson returned to take the final Vale wicket, leaving the home side all-out for 155.