THERE were two century-makers in Chepstow Cricket Club's first XI match at table-topping Blackwood Town, but this time the local club was on the receiving end.

With skipper Jason Dobbie and leading run-getter Carwyn James both unavailable, second-placed Chepstow were always going to find it tough to beat their hosts.

Vice-captain Malith Madurasinghe won the toss and decided to field.

Chepstow were soon celebrating as Dave Monk removed opener Andrew Clark for one run but Kyle Tudge (47) and Daniel Wilkinson (102) steadied the ship.

Tudor Morgan-Huggett bowled Tudge but Rhodri Evans also made 102 before being caught by Tyler Morgan-Huggett off Mitchell Harris' bowling.

Apart from two scores of 12 by Callum Herring and Robert Matthews, the rest of Blackwood's batsmen offered little resistance as Harris finished with a fine 5-28 but the hosts' innings ended on 291-9 from 50 overs.

But two smart caught-and-bowled efforts by Matthews removed openers Gareth Ansell (26) and Harris (10) and when Tyler Morgan-Huggett was trapped leg before without scoring, their captain admitted Chepstow were up against it.

"I was happy that we restricted Blackwood to 291," said Madurasinghe who made 21 before being trapped leg before.

"But our reply got off to a poor start, and at 46-3 inside nine overs, we were up against it.

"A century partnership for the fifth wicket between Ollie Thornhill (65) and David Monk (45) swung the game back in our favour.

"But when they fell in quick succession, Blackwood dominated and ended up winning relatively comfortably."

Alyn Franklin made an undefeated 36 but, apart from Dave Teague's 16, the other batsmen fell for single-figure scores.

In the return fixture, Chepstow's second XI lost by six wickets, despite reaching 251-4 thanks to Ryan Scrivens (50 not out), James Bostock (46), Tuhin Gavand (43) and John Griffith (39).

Jonathan Huws contributed an unbeaten 30 runs but despite the efforts of young Lewys Jones (2-23), Blackwood's Joe Roberts (106 not out), Kieran Rowe (71 not out) and Martin Evans (37) saw the visitors home.

"It was a really good half century for young Ryan," said Chepstow skipper Huw Rogers.

"Unfortunately too many batsmen made good starts but were unable to go on to a bigger score.

"Then, when we were fielding, dropped catches and poor umpiring cost us as the visitors passed our total in the final over."