SOUTH EAST WALES LEAGUE
LEADERS Newbridge march on at the top of Thomas Carroll South East Wales Cricket League Division One after a five-wicket victory at Pontypridd.
The hosts won the toss and batted first but were bowled out for 146 with Ryan Williams (38) and skipper Josh Waughington (37) standing out with the bat, while Lewis Parfitt (5-19) bagged himself a five-for.
Will Davey then led the Newbridge run chase as they got home with 16 overs to spare while Parfitt also made a useful 45.
It’s a sixth win of the season for Newbridge, who have won all of their completed games so far, with one other rained off.
Last season’s runners-up Chepstow made it three straight league wins – and four from their last five – with a thumping 96-run victory over Pentyrch.
After being inserted, hosts Chepstow were bowled out for 217 having been 82 without loss at one stage thanks to the efforts of opening pair Carwyn James (55) and Gareth Ansell (77).
Jamie Mills took 4-37 for the visitors who could then only muster 121 in reply with Brett Hole (41) their top scorer while Jason Dobbie (4-28) and Luke Watson (3-43) were among the wickets.
Elsewhere Blackwood Town are finally up and running for the season as they crushed Croesyceiliog by 162 runs to pick up their first win.
The hosts racked up 331-8 batting first with contributions all through the order while Gareth Berry (68) and Jared Withers (67) led the charge.
The visitors were then bowled out for 169 in reply.
Meanwhile Tom Robinson helped himself to six wickets to inspired Usk to a seven-wicket home win over Brecon.
Thomas (6-37) ripped through the Brecon batting, with Paul Murphy collecting 3-8, as the visitors were skittled out for just 82.
Usk got the 83 required with Hywel Rose (25no) and Amit Aswani (24no) getting them over the line.
The other game in the top division saw Malpas run out victors by seven wickets at Sudbrook, who had started the weekend in second place.
Ross Lewis (50) hit a half century and Scott O’Leary chipped in with 46 as Sudbrook were bowled out by 180 with James Francis picking up 4-33 off 9.4 overs.
Francis then capped a fine allround individual display with 55 to help Malpas chase down their target while Lewis Morgan was there at the end unbeaten on 61.