IT was a tale of two fortunes for Usk CC on the weekend. On Saturday, the firsts lost away to Croesyceiliog, while the seconds comfortably beat Lisvane at home. Bad weather prevented Usk's Welsh Cup match at Newbridge taking place.

At Croesy, skipper, Henry Lewis, won the toss and elected to bat first. Many of Usk's top order made starts without going on, in-form opener, Owen Watkins (44) and Oliver James (66) being the main contributors.

Top scorer James' 66 came from just 57 balls and contained 10 fours. Usk finished on a competitive 244-9 from their 50 overs. For Croesy, Ieuan Wakefield took three wickets.

Usk's competitive 244 looked anything but, as the Croesy top order set about their target with relish. Openers Thomas Kear (52) and Alex Barry (44) gave Croesy a solid start, before Alex Kryjom (52*) and Conor Miles (92) took their team to the brink of victory. Miles' 92 came of just 43 balls and included five fours and nine sixes. He departed just before his side reached their target with more than 15 overs to spare.

Meanwhile it was a happier story over in Usk. Lisvane captain, Gary Israel, won the toss and elected to field. Israel would come to regret the decision as Ben Jones (49) and Mark Tamplin (113) gave Usk a solid start. With Matt Cook (25) holding things together in the middle order, Usk finished on a healthy 251-7 from their 45 overs.

Despite the loss of an early wicket (a fantastic leg side stumping by Matt Cook from the bowling of Dominic Rees) the visitors were well set in their reply as they reached 104-1. It was at this stage that Joe Peacock struck dismissing Israel for 47. Peacock then went on to tear through the Lisvane batting line up as he ended with figures of 5-0-19-6. With brother Greg also chipping in with two wickets, it was a memorable day for the Peacock family.

The only resistance came from Dhruv Batt (54) before skipper, Neil Perrett, removed him. After 42 overs of their reply, Lisvane were all out for 182, leaving Usk the victors by 69 runs.

This Saturday, the mid-season break from the league allows for the first round of the T20 competition to take place. Usk firsts and seconds have been drawn in groups with Ponthir and Abergavenny. Ponthir will be hosting the firsts and Abergavenny the seconds. The games at both grounds begin at 10:30am, with the second game due at 1:30pm, and the third at 4:30pm.

The following day, the Sunday XI will be returning to action at home to Blackwood. This game starts at 2pm.