WITH three matched to go in the South Wales Premier League, Panteg slipped nearer a quick return to the Thomas, Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League by losing at Ynsyygerwn.

Batting first, Ynysygerwn reached 187-9 in their 50 overs with Mark Davies making 54, Richard Grant 34 and there were contributions by Gareth Grant (16no), Alex McCormack (14) and ex-Sully star Tomos Evison (13).

The Panteg bowling was: Chris Mee 8-2-27-1, Imran Ali 6-1-30-0, Will Bragg 10-1-36-1, Lloyd Smith 10-0-34-1, Gareth Davies 10-2-24-4 and Jack Mayers 6-1-16-1.

Panteg made a disastrous start and an early finish was on the cards when they were 16-4. But James Reid (51) and Ian Bird (47) dug in and turned the tide by adding 101 for the fifth wicket.

Once they were out, however, the procession restarted and Panteg were all out for 162 and no other batsman managed double figures.

The Ynysygerwn bowling figures were: Barry Davies 10-4-29-2, Richard Grant 7-3-19-3, Matthew Pryce 5-0-33-0, Tomos Evison 10-2-22-2, Gareth Grant 10-1-45-0 and Mark Davies 5.4-1-14-3.

Newport had already played their second XI game against Swansea at St Helens and Panteg could only post 121 all out against Ynysygerwn who easily chased that down for the loss of two wickets.

Saturday was also a bad day at the office for Division One leaders Pontnewynydd against strugglers St Fagans III in the Thomas, Carroll Welsh Club Cricket Conference.

Batting first, the Pontypool side were dismissed for just 106 with Hywel Evans and Joe Matthews both top scoring with 18 as Umer Rahman took 3-11 for the Saints and Ed Williams 3-18 off seven overs.

Dan Melrose made 37 when St Fagans III replied and David Williams 26 as they cantered home by seven wickets.

Pontnewynydd's defeat opens up the title race but bad weather ruled out the game between Hopkinstown and Pencoed and Cross Keys were in trouble at 128-7 off 39 overs at Barry when the match was abandoned.

Steve Gregory made 41 for Keys and Chris Jones 31 as Reno defoe took 3-22 for Barry.

In Division One of the Thomas, Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire Cricket League Usk asked visitors Penarth to bat first in a game reduced to 44 overs and dismissed the Seasiders for 106.

It could have been worse as Penarth slipped from 30-0 to 81-4 and then 86-9 but last wicket pair added 20 to take them past the 100 mark. Jamie Hitchin managed a top score of 30 while Jason Cook had 5-32 for Usk.

Usk lost wickets in the run chase but got there for the loss of five wickets in the 36th over. Mark Tamplin (39no) provided the anchor role and Owen Watkins scored 22.

Mark Thomas took 3-19 for Penarth and Andrew Simms 2-31.

Croesyceiliog faced form side Pentyrch, who were were inserted with the match reduced to 42 overs. They managed 171 all out with ex-Newport batsman Jack Thorpe-Yon getting 54 and ex-Glamorgan batsman Mike Powell 43. Luc Kear took 3.2-1-5-3 for Croesy, Ieuan Wakefield had 3-18 off six overs and Lewis Pheasant 9-1-34-3.

Connor Miles (290, Rhys Jones (22) and Dan Evans (20no) got runs but Croesy were bowled out for 119.

Connor Brown returned 9-4-15-4 for Pentyrch, Tony Smith 9-2-13-2 and Todd Wilcox 5.1-1-16-2

In Division Three Vale opted to bat first against Ponthir at Corntown and reached 183-8 with Paul Sheppard getting 64, Matt Gilbert 53 and Matt John 34 not out. Kerry Baldwin took 2-15 for Ponthir and Geraint Adlam 2-31.

Ponthir chased it down easier than expected as Jack Noman (53no) and Aled Burkitt (33no) led them home by seven wickets. Ollie Pike took 2-37 off seven overs for Vale.

And in Division Four, Croesyceiliog III played third placed Porth, who had first knock and made 161 all out. Greg Bonser made 46, Josh Baker 39 and Geraint Tucker 34 while Ieuan Watkins took 3-25 and John Edmonds 3-39.

Lowly Croesy III then turned on the style as Lloyd Murphy made 50, Sam Mawby 38 and Mostyn Lewis 30 to help them to a welcome five wicket win. Lee Thomas took 2-27 for Porth.

Aberdare III made 198-9 off their 45 overs against Panteg III with Under-16 wicket keeper Michael Griffiths making a fine 98 and sharing a fifth wicket partnership of 102 with James Green (24).

David Smith took 4-17 off 10 good overs for Panteg III and Ieuan Tippins 4-37.

Panteg III's batting failed to match their bowling, however, as they were bowled out for 90. Ollie Davies took 3-16 off 10 overs, Phil Green 3-21 and Mike Scarf 5-2-7-2.