After a blank weekend due to poor weather, Chepstow Cricket Club at last launched their 175th anniversary year with two wins out of two in pre-season friendlies.

Last Saturday (20th April), Chepstow hosted Malpas in a 40-over match.

Malpas batted first and reached 139-7 with Peter Mason top scoring with 30 not out. Debutant Alyn Franklin was the most successful bowler with 3-24 and was well supported by Tudor Morgan-Huggett, who took 2-28.

Chepstow chased the runs down easily and won with more than 10 overs remaining. Alyn Franklin completed a fine all-round performance with 35 not out. John Griffith, with 33, also showed encouraging form.

On Sunday, Chepstow hosted South Wales league side Dafen but with bad weather forecast (which never eventuated) it was decided to just play a 20-over game.

Chepstow scored at a furious rate, reaching 197-2. Two more debutants stood out with David Teague hitting a quickfire century before retiring and Jamie Rayner hit a pleasing 36 not out.

Dafen replied with 137-5, giving Chepstow a 60-run win.

The highlight of the Dafen innings was 71 from Chepstow legend Paul Bennett, who was guesting for the opposition after one of their players dropped out through illness.

A fourth debutant, John Roberts, with 1-12 off four overs, was the pick of the Chepstow bowlers.

At least 22 different players got a run around before the serious stuff starts next week.

Pontypridd are the opponents next week with the first team at home and the seconds away.