NEWCOMER Neil Smith snapped up six wickets to fire Monmouth Cricket Club to a crushing nine-wicket home win over Machen at the Sports Ground. Man-of-the-match Smith, a former Malpas player, bagged 6-15 from nine overs to help shoot out Machen for just 80 on another excellent track prepared by Gordon Grey. Matthew Jones (33 not out) and Ian Morgan (24) shared an opening stand of 73 before Josh Grey hit an undefeated five to steer Monmouth to their first victory of the campaign. Monmouth worked hard to get the outfield playable for their Thomas, Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League Division Three match after heavy overnight rain. And the club's efforts paid off – Monmouth's was among only two fixtures which survived the wet weather last Saturday (10th May) in the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League programme. Gwent youth coaches Geraint Leach and Geraint Adlam were among those who watched the action on a blustery and, at times, rain-swept afternoon. It was also good to see ex-Monmouth players Jon Roberts, Paul Swingwood and Dave Teague supporting their former team-mates. Richard Shaw (1-37) picked up a wicket from the first ball of the match after Monmouth skipper Ben Turner had won the toss and inserted Machen. Alim Hansraj (1-9 from 10 overs) bowled with immaculate control and his spell included four maidens. But Machen recovered to 40-2 before Grey ran out former Newport skipper Andy Knight for just two and then swing-bowler Smith got down to work. Smith, in only his second competitive appearance for a new-look Monmouth, clean-bowled the dangerous Mike Fussell (21) and the Machen innings swiftly plunged to 55-8. Jones took two superb catches in the outfield, Shaw held a driven effort, and wicketkeeper Jon Despontin made a sharp stumping to put Monmouth in control. Gareth Harris (12) and Simon Keane (10) offered late resistance for Machen but Aled Jones took 1-18 and the visitors' innings was polished off in 29.2 overs. Jones and Morgan steadily set about the low target and saw Monmouth, sponsored by JD Wetherspoon, through to 33-0 at the tea interval. Despite a couple of interruptions for rain, the duo kept their concentration until Morgan was caught with just eight runs needed for victory. Jones, who played some fine shots, carried his bat to take Monmouth home in 26.5 overs and to a 19-point haul. John Jones and Ali Hay did well in the outfield and the club would like to thank Greg Thomas for helping with the covers and the sightscreen and Trevor Slocombe for scoring the book. Umpires David James and John Schofield, who made his first trip to Monmouth, performed with enthusiasm. Monmouth will be hoping to continue their winning form at Llantwit Fardre im the league this Saturday. And the club will be travelling to rivals Chepstow in the preliminary round of the Macey Cup on Friday 23rd May at 6pm. Meanwhile, Monmouth 2nd will be aiming to get their season back on track at home to Llantwit Fardre 2nd this weekend. Monmouth's 2nd XI Division Three fixture at Machen 2nd was postponed last Saturday morning due to the wet weather.