SOUTH EAST WALES LEAGUE

LEADERS Newbridge march on in Thomas Carroll South East Wales Cricket League Division One after a 77-run home victory over in-form Usk.

After being put in, the hosts posted 278-7 off their allotted 50 overs with Ryan Watkins (82) and Lewis Parfitt (54no) the main run-getters, while Neil Perrett bagged 4-52 with the ball.

Then, despite decent knocks from Josh Lewis, who made 50, and Perrett (46), Usk’s hopes of a fourth straight victory were dashed after they were reduced to 201-7.

Tom Kinsey and Joe Westwood both bagged themselves a couple of wickets.

Basement boys Blackwood were three-wicket winners over Sudbrook who had started the day in second spot.

Ross Lewis scored 92 in Sudbrook’s 250-6 with Neil Reardon bagging 3-51 before an unbeaten 117 from Callum Herring guided Blackwood to a memorable victory. Huw Wilcox also made a useful 48.

That also allowed Chepstow to move back up into second with a six-wicket victory over Croesyceiliog at Mathern Road.

Visitors Croesy won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 245-9 off 50.

Alex Barry top-scored with 86, while Sam Hope-Bell bagged 4-38.

In reply Gareth Ansell notched 76 while David Bennett struck 57 not out for the hosts as they bounced back from defeat by Malpas last week.

Elsewhere an unbeaten ton from Ryan Ward inspired Malpas to an eight-wicket victory at Pentyrch.

Ward (102no) shared a 126-run stand for the second wicket with Lewis Morgan (65) after James Morgan’s 59 as they successfully chased the 230 required for victory and a fourth win on the spin.

Earlier Hywel John struck 102 in Pentyrch’s 229-7.

Meanwhile there was a crushing 147-run victory for Pontypridd over Brecon.

After the hosts had put 208-9 on the scoreboard, Josh Waughington bagged himself 4-20 as Brecon were skittled out for 61.