SOUTH EAST WALES

THE title race in Thomas Carroll South East Wales Cricket League Division One was blown wide open again last night after leaders Newbridge crashed at home to relegation battling Pontypridd – and allowed Malpas to go top after they beat Sudbrook.

Visitors Pontypridd were inserted after losing the toss and went on to post 187-7 with Ryan Williams striking 63 and Gregor McKain contributing a useful 47, while Tom Kinsey bagged 4-37.

However that total proved to be more than enough with the hosts, despite 49 from Ryan Watkins, were all out for 127 in reply on their way to a 60-run reverse.

Ed Smart took 4-28 with Mujeeb Rahman collecting 3-19.

That shock defeat for the table toppers allowed nearest challengers Malpas to take advantage and they are now in the box seat with two matches of the season to play after a seven-wicket defeat of Sudbrook.

They elected to field and bowled out Sudbrook for 138 with James Francis taking 3-17 off 6.2 overs to finish them off while David Griffiths and Christian Rose bagged wicket braces.

Opener Matthew Spencer scored for Sudbrook with 36.

Then an 89-run partnership for the first wicket between Francis (43) and Michael Martin (52 not out) set the platform for a successful run chase for Malpas with this their ninth win in 10 matches.

Ross Ward was also there at the end undefeated on 27.

Their only defeat during that stunning run was at home against thirdplaced Brecon who themselves made it five wins on the bounce with a 35-run home defeat of Usk.

The hosts, after being put in, were all out for 138 with Gethin Phillips top scoring with 38 while Jamie Norman took 4-36.

Usk were then all out for 103 in reply with Sam Williams taking 4-14.

Elsewhere Pentyrch were fourwicket winners over Chepstow while basement boys Blackwood Town – who will almost certainly be playing Division Two cricket next season – went down narrowly by three runs at Croesyceiliog. top