SOUTH EAST WALES LEAGUE

NEWBRIDGE are the new Division One champions in the Thomas Carroll South East Wales Cricket League after a ninewicket win at Usk.

The toss was won by Newbridge who opted to field, so Usk batted first.

They struggled with the bat in hand, posting just 98 before they were dismissed thanks to the efforts of Joe Westwood (4-20) and Ryan Watkins (3-11).

Chris Hartland then led Newbridge to victory with an unbeaten 48.

Newbridge lost the title to Malpas by just one point last year so secretary Jonathan Wellington was delighted to clinch it this year.

“We missed out last year and the year before really but fair play to the boys, they pulled together, it was a great team effort and I’m absolutely delighted,” he said.

Newbridge started the weekend nine points ahead of nearest challengers Miskin Manor, who lost to Pentyrch by 82 runs.

And Wellington believes the games they played against Miskin over the course of the season made the difference.

“The crucial thing is we played Miskin twice and beat Miskin twice, that was massive,” he added.

In the end, Miskin’s defeat to Pentrych handed the title to Newbridge.

The duo of Gareth Gardiner (60) and Brett Hole (48) helped Pentyrch reach 189 before they were bowled out with Dan Hay taking four wickets.

But Miskin were unusually poor with the bat as they were caught on 107 thanks to Todd Wilcox’s four-wicket haul.

At the other end, Pontypridd produced the great escape as they jumped out of the drop zone with a three-run victory over Abergavenny.

Ponty opener Gregor McKain (40) steered them to 170-6. Aber completed their 40 overs but fell just short on 167-7 to hand Pontypridd a precious victory.

Brecon then replaced them in the bottom two after a 129-run defeat to Chepstow.

Sudbrook and Cardiff Gymkhana also picked up wins on the final day of the season.