Champs make move into title contention

THE reigning champions are finally making their presence felt in the South Wales Premier Cricket League.

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St Fagans endured a rough start to the season, but they have hit form in recent weeks and bounced into title contention with a 60-run victory at home against Newport.

The hosts batted first and a superb opening partnership of 137 between Steven Reingold and Andrew Gorvin put them on course for a large total.

Reingold eventually fell for 68, but Glamorgan ace Gorvin continued the attack, scoring a brilliant 114 off 132 balls and smacking five sixes in the process. Skipper Owen Morgan added 37 as the Stags closed on 291-5.

Declan Farland took three wickets for the visitors.

Newport never truly recovered after losing their first two wickets with just five on the board, both of which fell to Gorvin who ended a fine day with figures of 3-49.

Captain Harry Friend top-scored with 79 and Noah Rice added 56, but they were all out for 231 in the 45th over.

Usk could have taken over at the top, but they lost by four wickets at Carmarthen Wanderers.

Usk batted first and were all out for 217. Glamorgan’s Billy Root led the way with a fine 90. Gareth Thomas took 3-48.

Wanderers opener Kurtis Marsh then carried his side home with a superb 98. He struck 14 fours. Joe Howell added a brisk 31 not out off just 17 balls when victory was clinched.

Instead, Cardiff have moved alongside Newport at the top after they beat Bridgend by 46 runs.