A MAGNIFICENT 128 from former Somerset batsman Nick Folland helped guide Chepstow to a third consecutive league win as they beat Penarth by 84 runs.

The opener's first century for the club helped the visitors recover from 23-3 to post a commanding total of 257-9 after winning the toss and choosing to bat.

But despite good conditions, Chepstow's batsmen - Folland included - struggled early on, with Madurasinghe (2), Zak Watson (13) and Dave Bennett (6) all falling to the new ball.

But with captain Jason Dobbie playing a typically counter-attacking innings at number five, he and Folland steadied the ship and put the home side back on the front foot. Dobbie's hard-hitting 46 came at more than a run a ball and included 10 fours before he was stumped off the bowling of James Docherty to leave Chepstow 85-4.

Folland still had only 18 when number six Josh Daniel walked to the crease but as the innings unfolded he began to dominate the visiting attack.

Scoring 110 off the next 172 runs the new-signing took control of the match, adding 50 partnerships with both Daniel (22) and Hepworth (14) before finally falling to Matt Jones for 128.

On a good batting track Chepstow still had plenty to do against a Penarth side who were top of the league at the start of play.

But with leading wicket taker Rhodri Faswitt spear-heading the attack the visitors were soon in full control.

First Fawsitt bowled opener Tom Sidford (1) – who had scored a hundred against Chepstow last year – with a beauty that swung away and nipped back off the seam, before getting Matthew Thomas caught behind for 12. Penarth's dismal start then got worse as Dobbie got in on the action, dismissing number three Sam Docherty for seven to leave the home side 30-3.

Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals throughout the innings with only number eight James Docherty (59) offering any real resistance before becoming the first of two victims for Folland.

A run out rounded off a superb fielding and bowling display for Chepstow who secured maximum points from the final ball of the match.

Captain Jason Dobbie said: "It was our best fielding performance for three years. We stopped everything and bowled really well. To bowl them out for 173 on that track was excellent."

Dobbie also praised the contribution of Folland who is now missing for the next four weeks.

He said:  "He struggled a bit early doors but he just batted time, used his head and played really well as he got going. He's a great addition and it is good for the youngsters to bat around him and learn from him."

Chepstow will look to maintain their 100 per cent record when they play Abergavenny at home on Saturday.