Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Cricket League Division One

AFTER last weekend’s washout, local cricketers have a chance to return to action with the added spice of inflicting defeat on their local rivals.

Reigning champions Chepstow CC Firsts welcome Sudbrook CC Firsts to Mathern Road, with both teams smarting from recent defeats and precariously- poised in the middle third of the 10-team Division One.

Chepstow should welcome back their skipper Jason Dobbie who has recovered from injury, according to acting captain Tyler Morgan-Huggett.

“Jason will be back for the Sudbrook match,” he confirmed, “however, we will be without Mitchell Harris due to work commitments.”

Sudbrook team manager Nic Hunt says the firsts know how important Saturday’s derby clash could be.

“Without taking anything away from the intense local rivalry, if we are to be in the mix come the end of the season, this is the sort of match we need to gain good points from,” he said.

“If we are serious about emulating the promotions of the town’s rugby and football sides (men’s and women’s), we need to build on our success at Blackwood, ensuring we maintain the very high standards we have set ourselves this term."

Meanwhile, at Mill Lane, the two clubs face each other again, as Sudbrook Seconds entertain Chepstow’s Seconds, whose skipper Huw Rogers is equally aware of the task ahead.

“Sudbrook are the current Seconds League champions and were good value for that last season,” he said.

“As the season progresses we do tend to get stronger and this week we welcome back Luke Watson from university.

“The ex-first team player is coming back from a shoulder injury and bowled with real pace and hostility in the corresponding fixture last year.

“Another welcome addition to the squad this season has been Riz Mansoor - a Sri Lankan - who has moved into the area after a decade in London.

“He is proving to be a bowler of real quality and a thoroughly nice lad to boot!

“Runs on the board will be the key component for us. Jamie Rayner has proved a real plus opening the innings and Tuhin Gavand has looked in good touch at number three.”

“With two wins out of two - and the league decided by aggregate points this year - we have some good momentum going into Saturday’s encounter.

“It is sure to be hard-fought and the team that turns up on the day will take the local bragging rights.”

His opposite number, Ian Simmonds has seen a number of changes in personnel as some of last season’s champions have lost players to the first XI.

“Joe Bajjada has made a comeback after a five-year absence and Mike Burton is on form with the bat,” Simmonds said.

“Players returning this weekend will strengthen the team and the match offers opportunities for different players to show what they can do. The emphasis in the Seconds, is on developing our young players.”