WITH Usk CC's firsts game away to Pontypridd called off, all attention switched to the seconds first league game of the season at home to the same opponents.

Pontypridd won the toss and inserted their hosts. Usk got off to a reasonable start as Owen Watkins (150) and Ben Jones (13) put on 60 for the first wicket inside the first 13 overs. However, when Jones went, Usk lost wickets at regular intervals, but were indebted to Watkins, who completely dominated the innings.

Usk were struggling at 141-8, but Watkins and Greg Peacock (5*) added 55 for the ninth wicket to give Usk some respectability.

Watkins was ninth out in the 43rd over with Usk finally being all out for 200 after 44 overs.

This was surprisingly Watkins' maiden century for Usk. It contained 15 fours and six sixes and to put it in context he scored 75 percent of his side's runs. The next highest score in the innings was 13! For Pontypridd, G.Palmer and B.Cummins each took three wickets.

In reply the visitors got off to a good start as both the openers, C.Wragg (44) and G.McKain (55), made solid contributions.

However, once they had departed the wickets started to fall. Eventually Pontypridd ran out of steam, and ended on 195-9 after 45 overs.

Julian Smith was the pick of the bowlers for Usk with three wickets, whilst Jack Stedman and Neil Perrett each picked up a brace.

Finally, special mention should be made of Greg Peacock, who took his first ever five-for on Sunday against Abergavenny, ending up with figures of 6-28.

This Saturday, the firsts will be looking for their first league win when they entertain Chepstow. The seconds will look to build on their opening victory as they travel to meet the same opponents. Both games commence at 12:30pm. On Sunday, Usk are away to Panteg/Pentwyn A. This game starts at 2pm.