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All-rounder Gareth Jones was Machen’s batting star as they continued their winning run with a hard-fought victory away to Usk.

Machen won by 18 runs to complete a first double of the season in the South East Wales League Division Four.

In a rain-reduced 35 overs match, Machen’s first XI started with an opening partnership of 44 between Ahsan Naqash and Gareth Hibbs, before losing four wickets for one run in a dramatic collapse.

Jones went on the attack in characteristic style, smashing ten fours and three sixes in an innings of 86 off just 67 balls.

His stand of 63 with Arbab Buland allowed Machen to scramble to 193 all out in the final over.

Despite an early wicket for Murad Mughal, Usk were well in the hunt at 125-1 when Arbab Buland bowled Paul Murphy for 40 and top-scorer Aled Burkett was run out for 50 shortly afterwards.

That proved enough to halt the Usk momentum and they finished on 175-7. 

“It’s the way I enjoy playing and it’s great it was enough to give us the win,” said Jones.

Machen remain top of Division Four and face Sudbrook away next Saturday.

Meanwhile the Buzzards’ second team thrashed Radyr by 70 runs to make it a successful weekend for the club.

Machen was also due to field a third XI for the first time in six years, but their friendly away to Upper Rhondda was called off after an early morning downpour.

Efforts to improve the club’s provision for teenage girls are also continuing, with the next cricket session on Sunday, July 10 at 10.30am.

Meanwhile the funeral of former club captain and President John Hicks will take place at Thornhill Crematorium in Cardiff at 3.30pm on Monday July 11, with donations requested to the Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice in lieu of flowers.