PREMIER LEAGUE

CARDIFF managed to see off the significant threat of Newport to claim the Division One title in the Thomas Carroll South Wales Premier Cricket League.

Last year’s runners-up Cardiff held a narrow five-point lead at the start of the day and knew they needed a win with 2016 champions Newport looking to take advantage of any slip-up.

But the capital-city side went on to claim a comfortable 126-run victory over Penarth.

Cardiff had to test their nerve early on as they were put in to bat. But they responded well, with Connor Brown leading them to 236-7 after hitting 73.

And already-relegated Penarth didn’t really threaten them as they were bowled out for 110, with Brown the star once again by taking 4-34.

Cardiff ’s victory meant Newport had to settle for the runners-up spot despite easing to a seven-wicket triumph over Ynysygerwn.

Alex McCormack hit a half-century (53) as hosts Ynysygerwn looked to claim a surprise win.

Darren Thomas added an extra 35 before they were skittled out for 152, with Josh Aston taking 5-28.

And Imran Hassan starred with the bat as he made 84 not out to steer Newport to victory on 153-3.

Pontarddulais ended the season with a disappointing 37-run defeat to Port Talbot Town.

Batting first, Port Talbot only managed 128 before they were bowled out.

Stuart Phelps led the way with an unbeaten half-century (52no) but Dan Lewis-Williams (3-25), Dafydd Davies (3-16) and Carl Roberts (3-31) helped end Port Talbot’s innings early.

But Bont disappointed with the bat as they limped to 91 before they were skittled out, Cameron Herring topscoring with 17.

The defeat saw Neath leapfrog them into third after beating Ammanford by four wickets at The Gnoll.

Mathew Fisher (70) and skipper Alun Evans (65) gave Ammanford a superb start but no one else really offered much before they ran out of overs on 172-6.

Steffan Roberts then replied for Neath with 70, while 38 came from Gregory Thomas and a further 23 from Kieran Bull as they secured victory on 174-6.

Elsewhere, Bridgend Town (221-7) beat Mumbles (217-8) by three wickets.

In Division Two, St Fagans (278-5) clinched the title with a 138-run victory over Miskin Manor (140).