SOUTH WALES PREMIER LEAGUE
NEWPORT strengthened their title claims in the Thomas, Carroll South Wales Premier League Division One following victory at Ynysygerwn yesterday by 48 runs.
Newport were bowled out for 222, four balls short of using up their full 50 overs with Scott Thornton top scoring with 44, skipper Michael Clayden making 37 and Oliver Ebsworth-Burland 31. Richard Grant was the best of the visitors’ bowling with 3-26.
Although opening batsman Alex McCormack produced a fine 77, including six boundaries, the home side were bowled out for 174 in under 49 overs with Dean Cosker taking 2-30 and Clayden 2-19.
Newport still head the table, ahead of rivals Cardiff with four rounds of matches to play after Cardiff lost ground with home side Mumbles gaining a winning draw.
Mumbles had first use of the crease and a brilliant 90 from Rhodri Evans led the hosts to a total of 253-6, skipper Aneurin Norman adding 34.
Cardiff faltered in reply, finishing on 231-8, with Connor Brown producing an eye-catching 72 and Steffan Jones 39.
There was an early finish at the Gnoll where Neath easily beat Swansea by nine wickets.
After putting the visitors in to bat, Swansea were soon in trouble against the bowling of Palash Joshi who ended with figures of 4-25 as they were sent back for just 82 in 30 overs. Only opener Abdullah Rahimi, who made 28, offered any resistance.
Scott Thomas took 2-11 and Kieran Bull 2-16 before Neath knocked off the required runs in under 20 overs as they reached 83-1; Steffan Roberts unbeaten on 31 and skipper Neil Brand still there on 30.
Ammanford were too strong for Port Talbot Town, running out victors by five wickets at Ammanford Park.
Port Talbot Town batted first and posted 172-9 from their 50 over stint, Dan Cherry (39) and Ian Thomas (33) sharing in a second wicket partnership of 55.
Jack Murphy, Matthew Roberts, Mathew Fisher and Alun Evans each took two wickets with Evans returning the best figures of 2-18.
Led by a solid 45 from opener Huw Jenkins, the home side reached the winning post on 173-5.