THOMAS, CARROLL SOUTH WALES PREMIER LEAGUE

BRIDGEND Town Seconds took this gripping East Division derby clash against their Tondu counterparts at Bryn Road off the penultimate delivery, writes Tony Poole.

The Town heroes ultimately were their two unbeaten batsmen – Richard Cogbill (21) and Matt Donnelly (2) – who steered them to victory during a tense final over from Layton Williams.

But Tondu pushed them all the way after posting a highly satisfactory 225-4.

Ross Nicholson became the fourth opening bat in as many weeks to compile a century against Town.

The Cardiff duo of Umar Malik (268) and Richard Sen (101) were followed by Nigel Pryce of Newport Fugies who got 140.

And Nicholson found the ropes 10 times and cleared them once in striking a superb 117 before being run out.

Evergreen wicketkeeper Dai Rees weighed in with 51 and there were just two Town wicket-takers – Richard Cogbill 10-0-38-1 and Rhys Clayton 10-145-1.

And when Town went out in pursuit of 226, Clayton then chipped in with 34 while Troy Smith led the way with a key 61.

Hit or miss merchant Dai Knight and Richard Warren both got 31, and captain Timmy Bushell contributed 18.

But it was Richard Cogbill and Matt Donnelly that saw Town home despite Layton Williams returning 9.5-0-39-3.

On the money Josh Banks also cashed in, reflected in 10-0-42-2, while promising Clive Holmes got 10-0-55-0 with his dolly mixtures.

This Saturday, Tondu Seconds visit Panteg with Bridgend Town Seconds welcoming Miskin Manor to Newbridge Fields.

League positions at the midway point of the season read: Newport 136, Tata Steel 136, Panteg 124, Cardiff 119, Tondu 117, Miskin Manor 106, Newport Fugitives 102, Penarth 99, Bridgend Town 91 and St Fagans 64.