SOUTH EAST WALES LEAGUE

NEWBRIDGE and Sudbrook are the early pacesetters in Division One of the Thomas Carroll South East Wales Cricket League as both made it four wins from four.

Brecon, the only other side with a 100% record heading into yesterday’s round of games, had their unbeaten start halted at Newbridge, who ran out eight-wicket victors in a rain-reduced 30-over contest. Visitors Brecon posted 115-8 with Gavin Jones taking a hat-trick for Newbridge. Travis Morgan then hit 75 to see Newbridge to victory.

Meanwhile Ross Lewis finished an unbeaten centurion as Sud- brook recorded a thumping ninewicket victory at Chepstow.

Lewis whacked 13 fours and two maximums in his knock that inspired the visitors as they comfortably chased down their target. That’s after Chepstow had earlier been bowled out for 180 – in which wicketkeeper Lewis also finished with three catches and a stumping.

Malpas picked up their first victory of the campaign, winning by nine wickets at home to Croesyceiliog. The visitors were bowled out for 136, Alex Barry their top scorer with 55 while David Griffiths bagged 3-19. Malpas made light work of the reply as Mike Martin hit an unbeaten 54 with James Francis also still there on 48 as the pair put on an unbroken 124-run second wicket stand.

Pontypridd were three-run victors over Usk in a match reduced to 25 overs. Tim Foden hit 51 as Pontypridd reached 139-6. Usk, despite 50 from George Lewis, fell agonisingly short.