Chepstow Cricket Club produced two excellent team displays in defeating strong visitors to Mathern Road. On Friday evening, Chepstow 1st XI recorded a comfortable eight-wicket victory over Monmouth to progress to the next round of the Macey Cup. This was followed on Saturday by a 120-run destruction of Usk, a result which marks Chepstow as serious title challengers. Monmouth dominated the early stages of the Twenty20 clash with Josh Grey carrying his bat for an outstanding 81 not out. He was ably supported by fellow opener Ben Turner, who struck eye-catching sixes in his 32. Chepstow fought back and restricted Monmouth to 139-4, a competitive score, yet perhaps slightly below par on a good pitch. The Chepstow openers were imperious in attacking the Monmouth bowlers and added 123 for the first wicket. Alyn Franklin batted for 67 not out and wicketkeeper Gareth Ansell constructed a classy 59. Chepstow reached the target with 4.1 overs to spare and will face Pentywn in the next round. On Saturday, Chepstow batted well to score 208-9 in a weather-reduced 46-over match against Usk. The pitch offered some excellent bowling conditions but Usk were unable to capitalise. David Monk began what would be a fine day for the young Monmouth School student with a well constructed 60. Ansell and Franklin added 40s although leg spinner Lorne Burns restricted Chepstow with an outstanding spell of bowling to finish with figures of 6-31. Usk set about chasing the target aggressively with the first over disappearing for 17 runs. Captain Jason Dobbie responded with a fine spell of 3-10 and with David Monk (2-21) ripped out a powerful Usk top order. Usk were soon reduced to 56-8 and eventually were bowled out for 88. A crushing victory for Chepstow saw them jump above Usk into second place.