Best Friend proves a handful for Ynys

IT IS tight at the top of the South Wales Premier Cricket League, with Newport and Bridgend setting the early pace.

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Newport hold a narrow advantage at the summit after registering their third successive win when beating Ynystawe by 30 runs.

Newport were given a superb start by openers Michael Clayden and Harry Friend, who put on 110 for the first wicket.

Clayden fell for 64, with skipper Friend gong on to make 85.

Wicketkeeper Campbell Macmillan also made 85, with Mujeid Ilyas adding 44 as the home side closed on 291-5.

Alex Horton struck a fine 72 for Ynystawe, but a spell of 4-47 by Jak Cosker proved crucial as the Swansea side were all out for 261.

It was a closer affair for Bridgend, who saw off visiting Abergavenny by two wickets.

Abergavenny batted first and Morgan Bevans (45) and Tom Norton (43) helped them to 217 all out. Alex Jones and Tomos Jones both took three wickets.

Alex Jones then top-scored in Bridgend’s reply as they squeezed home with five balls to spare.

Sam Clarke took 3-40 for Abergavenny.

Usk lost their unbeaten record when they went down by 96 runs at home to Ammanford.

Tom Bevan stole the show for Ammanford, smashing a brilliant 109 that featured 11 boundaries and five sixes. His opening partner Gruffudd Owen made 42.