SOUTH WALES PREMIER LEAGUE

REIGNING champions and league leaders Bridgend Town had to settle for a losing draw against Newport at Newbridge Fields in Division One of the South Wales Premier League.

Bridgend won the toss and elected to field first, with Newport going on to score 228-6 from their allotted 50 overs. Opener Michael Clayden (93) struck five fours and two sixes before being run out by Sam Wood seven runs short of his ton.

Wood then ironically also hit 93 as he looked to lead Bridgend’s run chase but, after getting out caught in the 48th over, the hosts finished on 200-7 when the overs ran out.

Mumbles, who had themselves topped the table before last weekend’s home draw with Bridgend, were unable to take advantage as they went down to a disappointing eight-wicket defeat to Neath at the Gnoll.

Port Talbot Town picked up their first victory of the campaign with a comprehensive 131-run defeat of Pontarddulais at the New Mansel.

Openers Gareth Rees (35) and Mark Cox (40) put on 66 for the first wicket while Michael Samuel top scored with 42 as the hosts were bowled out for 202 after losing the toss and being put in to bat.

The total proved to be more than enough as Pontarddulais could only muster 71 in reply before being bowled out in 21.4 overs.

Elsewhere Harry Bowles struck an unbeaten 87 as Cardiff recorded an emphatic 94-run win at Ynysygerwn.

Bowles’ 88-ball knock included nine fours and two sixes as visitors Cardiff posted 297-9 from their allotted 50 overs. Nicholas Maggs then top scored with 47 in reply but the hosts were bowled out for 203.

In the other Division One game, Ammanford had to settle for a winning draw at home against Swansea in a game reduced to 30-overs a side because of the weather.