SOUTH WALES PREMIER
THE race for the title in Thomas Carroll South Wales Premier League Division One now looks like a straight shootout between Cardiff and defending champions Newport.
Cardiff, after having to settle for a winning draw at Port Talbot Town, had their lead cut to 14 points after Newport’s seven-wicket victory at home against Penarth.
There are two matches of the season left to play with the top two set to meet at Forest Farm next Saturday in what could potentially be a title-decider.
Needing a win to keep the pressure on, Newport bowled out visitors Penarth – who had won the toss and elected to bat first – for 162 in 49 overs.
Nick Morgan (44) top scored for Penarth with 44 with Tom Sidford contributing 35 while Dean Cosker (3-27) and Josh Aston (3-27) were the standout Newport bowlers. Callum Taylor also took 2-28. Skipper Matthew Norris (49) then top scored at the top of the order in reply before he was run out by Richard Skone one run short of his half-century.
He had put on 96 for the first wicket with opening partner Joseph Voke (36) which set the platform for a successful run chase with Taylor there at the end unbeaten on 20.
Cardiff, meanwhile, were left frustrated by Port Talbot.
After Cardiff had posted 233-6 off 50 overs – helped by 95 from Greg Holmes – Port Talbot pair Mark Cox (45no) and No.11 Lewis Jones (7no) held on as they finished on 166-9 when the overs ran out to frustrate Cardiff.
Barney Huxtable had earlier scored 54 for Port Talbot.
Elsewhere there were victories for Neath, Bridgend Town and Ammanford respectively.
Ammanford’s victory was by 27 runs over third-placed Pontarddulais who have lost ground on the leaders as a result – now 26 points behind Newport.
Meanwhile Tata Steel are now firmly in the box seat for the title and promotion from Division Two after they beat Swansea by 23 runs to go top.
That result tasted even sweeter with the news that St Fagans, the team they replaced at the top, had crashed to a five-wicket home defeat by Newport Fugitives.
The 18 points that Tata earned from the win moves them nine points above St Fagans – who only took five – with two games of the season remaining.