IT HAS been a strange but probably inevitable week at Penarth Cricket Club. Following the suspension of the Third team captain for alleged persistent infringements of committee decisions regarding required standards of conduct, the majority of the Thirds asked for transfer forms to leave the club.

In all 17 players departed overnight which left the club scrambling to get four teams out on the weekend. It is a testimony to the club's strength and dedication that they managed to do so and thanks must go to all the players who responded to the difficult situation.

All in all this has been a sad chapter for the club. A number of very good cricketers have gone and with them a captain who has been involved with the club for 25 years.

Hopefully a line has been drawn and Penarth can concentrate on playing good hard competitive cricket whilst showing a spirit of fair play and excellent hospitality.

Penarth 1st XI entertained top of the table Usk at The Athletic Field and really failed to turn up. Usk batted first and accumulated 196 on a slow wicket which was probably at least 50 runs too many. In reply Penarth never really got started against average but accurate bowling and folded without a fight to 90 all out.

The 2nd XI, playing at Usk, were in a much more dynamic mood and scored 237 in their allocated overs. Andy Jones hit 50, Dave Stephens 52 and Gareth Davies 41 in this total. In reply Usk were bowled out for 102 with the wickets being shared by all five bowlers.

The Thirds travelled to Chepstow with a totally different team after the events of the week and came away with a magnificent victory against all the odds. Chepstow batted first on a very damp wicket and were dismissed for 117, Hamish Cooper taking his first fivefer in senior cricket.

Penarth responded by knocking of the runs for the loss of only one wicket. Jamie Hitchen was 42 not out, Hugh Hudson 34 not out and James Groves 28. It was extremely encouraging to see the club's youngsters stand up and be counted in what was a very difficult situation.

The Fourth team were at home to Pentwyn and fielded a team of veterans and youngsters; indeed it was Stuart Humphries' first game for at least 12 years.

Pentwyn batted first and Penarth did well to contain them to 95 off the first 22 overs but the floodgates then opened and the opposition amassed a total of 247 runs. In reply the Fourths battled hard against good bowling but were eventually bowled out for 164. Conrad Adams was the pick of the batting with a useful 60 runs.

This weekend the Firsts and Seconds are away and home to Panteg respectively, the Thirds play Caerphilly at home and the Fourths travel to Lisvane.