CRICKHOWELL managed to gain an important win on Saturday, overcoming Brockhampton, on a weekend where many other games in the Marches League fell foul of the weather.
Skipper Nick Francis took the precaution of covering the wicket overnight, which meant that the heavy rain didn’t affect the playing surface too much and with the forecast set fair for the afternoon the game was able to go ahead after the 'super soakers' had done their work.
It meant that the game had a delayed start and was reduced to 40 overs, but Francis, on a run with the coin, won the toss again and asked the visitors to bat first.
Conditions were difficult early on for the Brockhampton batters, and Joseph (1-24) and Ben Bowker (1-28) opening up in tandem, both grabbed an early wicket each.
But it was the other brothers in the side, skipper Francis himself and brother Justin, that had the lion's share of the bowling spoils.
Nick Francis was back to his wily old best, bowling an immaculate and testing line and length.
He tied up the batsmen for long periods before inducing the errors to finish with 4-12 in six overs.
Justin at the other end took a creditable 2-9 and with the young Ben Lyster-Binns effecting a run-out, injecting some much needed athleticism into the fielding, Brockhamton stuttered their way to 120 all out in 38 overs.
It was an unlucky day for the visitors, having lost a player through injury before the game, they then lost another whilst fielding, so finished the game with only nine fit men.
Nonetheless they rallied around, fielding and bowling well with their depleted resources.
Crickhowell though, certainly batted with a bit more backbone, and openers Lyster-Binns and Kerrison put on 26 for the first wicket before Lyster-Binns (9) was run out following a mix up with his partner. Kerrison (41) then made amends though, putting on 40 with Christie (37) for the second wicket. Kerrison's departure then sparked another mini collapse with Jenkins (3) Joseph Bowker (2) and Nick Francis (0) all going in quick succession on a wicket that was now offering some assistance to the bowlers. It was left to the veteran Ryland Wallace (15*) and Ben Bowker (2*) to steady the ship and see the side home to earn three batting points.
With maximum bowling points already in the bag, and 15 points for the win, Crickhowell finished with 23 points which was a healthy return and good reward for all the efforts to ensure the game went ahead.
Brockhampton were forced to literally lick their wounds and could only muster four points from the game.
Next week Crickhowell are away to early season table toppers Goodrich whilst 'sister club' Abergavenny 3rds entertain Moccas on the Town Ground in Crickhowell. Brockhampton also have a tough game at home to Garnons.