SOUTH WALES PREMIER LEAGUE

CARDIFF cut Newport’s lead at the pinnacle of the South Wales Premier League to a mere four points as they carved out a winning draw in their big top of the table battle at Forest Farm yesterday.

Newport had to dig deep to salvage a draw after they lost their ninth wicket in the 44th over following a period of Cardiff domination.

Cardiff won the toss, batted first and scored 201 for 7 with Kiran Carlson top scoring with 45 while Prem Sisodiya contributed 39.

Newport held on for the draw on 168 for nine, Matthew Norrishitting a fine 67. Carlson did most of the damage taking four for 24- Alex Milton was brilliant in the field taking three catches.

Cardiff collected 17 points while Newport picked up just six – a result which set up a thrilling final three weeks of the season.

Any lingering hopes Bridgend had of retaining their title were scuppered when they crashed to a shock nine-wicket defeat at Newbridge Fields.

Bridgend chose to bat first and managed only 150 in 46.5 overs with only Darren Thomas making any serious impact with the bat hitting 66 before being out lbw.

Aneurin Norman was the best of the bowlers with figures of 3-22.

Mumbles reached their target with just one wicket down. Rhodri Evans scored 63 and Max Phillips and Daniel Roberts were undefeated on 48 and 19 respectively.

Port Talbot leapfrogged Bridgend and moved into third spot when they cruised to an amazing 10-wicket win over Swansea.

Swansea batted first and totted up a healthy-looking 222-9- but Port Talbot were in inspirational form and reached 223 without losing a wicket.

Dan Cherry was unbeaten with 103 which included 14 fours and two sixes while Dan Cherry was not out with 88 having hit 15 fours.

Elsewhere Ynysygerwn gave a cricketing lesson to Ammanford making a mockery of their position at the foot of the table. Ynys scored 248 for three in their 50 overs with Richard Grant cracking an unbeaten century. Ammanford were skittled out for 81 with Richard Grant taking 4-19 and Ryan Sylvester 3-17.

Also in the Premier Division Neath drew with Pontardulais.

First Division leaders Panteg swept to a five-wicket victory over Miskin Manor.