Cricket:
Cowbridge Second XI lost a nervy game by just seven runs away to league highflyers Chepstow.
Having chosen to field, an excellent all-round bowling performance restricted the home side to 148 all out. Skipper Joe Russell returned superb figures of 4-46, ably supported by Umar Rafique with 3-16, Rhydian Harris with 2-25 and a stunning run out from livewire keeper Carwyn Jones.
Young bowlers Joe Phillips and Will Harris bowled miserly spells without the reward they deserved. The ground fielding was of the highest calibre with Matt Wood pouching a terrific catch while Owain Scholey, Theo Walker and Ben Smart were active in keeping the run rate down.
Chasing 149 to win, the top order struggled against accurate seam bowling on an awkward sloping track.
Reduced to 5-2, the team just could not string a meaningful partnership together against a particularly good bowling side, despite the heroics of Matt Smart who made a gutsy 71. In the end, a young Cowbridge side containing five teenagers slipped to 141 all out.
Despite the loss the game was played in excellent spirits and with plenty of good cricket. The Second XI continues to develop and become more competitive, and results will surely follow with displays such as this.
IH
