Abergavenny CC's Third XI managed to beat both the elements and a very strong Luctonian's side to chalk up a fouth consecutive victory at a surprisingly dry Crickhowell cricket ground on Saturday.

Following some excellent preparation by the ground staff, the Crickhowell wicket was eminently playable and the game was able to start promptly at 1pm.

Luctonian's skipper Steve Powell won the toss and immediately asked Abergavenny to bat first. Beavers openers Tom Griffiths (18) and Drew Heffernan (10) belied the overhead conditions to get the home side off to a comfortable start, however a couple of quick wickets meant skipper Steve Brown and Lee Fury had to set about a repair job.

They had moved the score to 70-3 before Brown was well taken at slip for a patient 15. Fury lost further allies until he was joined by youngster Kyle Holmes who immediately set about pushing the Beavers total towards 150. The pair were batting with freedom and fluency which had deserted the middle order and looked on course to post a very challenging first innings total before Fury was run out for an excellent 33. Holmes began the marshall the lower order and combined solid defence with vicious attack to end the innings as Beavers top scorer with 36 as Aber were bowled out for 145 in the final over.

Skipper Steve Brown felt this total was a little below par but had confidence that his side were still in the contest as the players broke for the tea interval.

On resumption under heavier skies, Beavers opening bowlers Tom Griffiths (2-28) and Meici Jones (2-18) took advantage of the overhead conditions to restrict the visitors to 5-2 during the early exchanges.

A few lusty blows from Bengry threatened Abers low total but he was well bowled by Griffiths before he could alter the Luctonians tempo. Beavers change bowlers of James Aurelius (2-14) and Kyle Holmes (2-8) kept the pressure on the visitors as they continued to pick up regular wickets.

Some excellent outfielding and catching by the home side ensured that Lucs could not build any telling partnerships and Lucs number three, Whizz Ettinger saw partners come and go as he was left high and not so dry on 33* as the Beavers bowled the opposition out for 76.

A handsome 69 run victory was the end result which lifts Beavers to within 14 points of leaders Colwall at the summit of Marches League Division Three.