MONMOUTH CC surged to the top of the Forest of Dean Hundred League with a commanding 44-run win over Ross-on-Wye, taking full advantage of their game in hand while previous leaders Cinderford St John had a weekend off.

Electing to bat first, Monmouth delivered a batting masterclass built around a relentless opening stand between Lander and Jones. The pair laid a rock-solid foundation and punished anything loose, guiding their side to 122 without loss before the only wicket of the innings fell.

Lander was the first to cut loose, dispatching boundaries square of the wicket and lifting the tempo with clean hitting. He reached 58 from 38 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes before retiring not out. At the other end, Jones grew into his innings and exploded in the final five overs.

He ended unbeaten on 82 from 50 deliveries, peppering the boundary rope with 10 fours and clearing it twice in a brutal display of late hitting. Monmouth scored 44 runs from the final four overs as Jones tore into the attack, especially capitalising on loose bowling and anything short.

Monmouth's final total of 165 for 1 was boosted by 19 extras including 14 wides. Ross struggled with discipline throughout as their bowlers failed to maintain control. Pryor picked up the only wicket, bowling Pilot for 2, but the rest of the attack went wicketless.

In reply, Ross-on-Wye’s chase never really took flight. Anil struck a boundary early on but was caught by Jones off Atkinson in the opening over. The innings then slowed under accurate pressure from Monmouth’s bowlers and although Mattos battled through to 35 not out, the required rate steadily climbed beyond reach.

Newton added 19 in a patient knock before falling to a sharp catch by Lander off McCluskey. Springer offered a brief counterattack with two quick boundaries, but he was bowled by Atkinson to leave Ross three down and fading fast. Phillips tried to rally late with three boundaries of his own, but he too fell in the closing stages, caught by Uttley off Wilton.

Atkinson was the pick of the bowlers, taking 2 for 12 in a tidy spell that included the key early breakthrough. McCluskey and Wilton also claimed a wicket each as Monmouth kept the scoring in check with tight lines and committed fielding.

Despite a few late boundaries, Ross finished well short on 121 for 4. Their innings was hampered by 33 wides and an overall extras tally of 38. It was a disciplined and clinical performance from Monmouth, who now sit at the summit of the table on net run rate.

With the second half of the season approaching, Monmouth will look to maintain momentum and keep their place at the top. Their all-round strength with bat, ball and in the field was on full display in this latest showing.

Elsewhere in the Forest of Dean Hundred League, Tintern posted 126 for 5 before holding on to secure a thrilling one-run victory over Goodrich. In another close contest, Ruardean Hill chased down 137 for 7 in 96 balls to beat Lydney by three wickets, with Lydney finishing on 133 for 8 after their full 100 balls. These results continue to tighten the league standings as the season progresses.