SOUTH EAST WALES

NEWBRIDGE now have a 32-point advantage at the halfway point in Thomas Carroll South East Wales Cricket League Division One after a five-wicket win over Pentyrch.

Skipper James Morgan led by example, finding the boundary rope 11 times in his knock of 67 and was assisted by Will Davey, who played nicely for an unbeaten 54 as Newbridge successfully chased down the 178 needed for victory.

Earlier, Tom Kinsey bagged himself 3-28 as Pentyrch were reduced to 177-9.

The win for Newbridge also saw them bounce back from losing their unbeaten record against Chepstow the week before.

However, Chepstow saw their hopes of a fifth victory on the bounce dashed in an eight-wicket defeat at Malpas – who themselves won a third game on the spin thanks largely to an unbeaten 76 from opener Michael Martin.

Meanwhile, that slip by Chepstow allowed Sudbrook to move above them into second spot as they won by 97 runs at Brecon.

Scott O’Leary top-scored with 60 as Sudbrook made 191-7 batting first off their 50 overs as Matt Spencer contributed 35.

Dean Wallace then took over with the ball, bagging himself 5-26 as last season’s Division Two champions Brecon were skittled out for just 94 in reply, with Jamie Watkins also collecting 3-18.

Meanwhile, in Division Two, table-topping Abergavenny’s bid to return to Division One at the first time of asking remains on track as they recorded a five-wicket home win over Barry Athletic.

Barry reached 190-9 off their allotted 50 overs after winning the toss and being put in.

Maqsood Anwar top scored with an unbeaten 45, batting at number nine, while Andy Timpson bagged himself 4-53.

Then, in reply, 66 from opener Will Glenn along with 50 from Gareth Burkitt ensured it was the hosts who would run out victorious.

The win for Abergavenny also allowed them to stretch their lead at the top after chasing side Lisvane went down by 14 runs at home to Rogerstone Welfare.

Undefeated Crumlin march on at the top of Division Three as they cruised to a nine-wicket win over Machen at Rhiw Farm.

Kallum Williams and Craig Lowther both took three wickets apiece as Machen were bowled out for 128 after being inserted while Connor Hopkins also took two wickets.

Then, an unbeaten 47 on debut from Laurence Pritchard helped see Crumlin home while run machine Simon Veall was also there at the end, undefeated on 57.

Crumlin remain seven points clear of Sully Centurions, who themselves won by eight wickets at bottom side Creigiau.