NEWPORT face a potentially season-defining showdown with Cardiff next weekend but will not be taking their focus off tomorrow’s clash against Penarth, according to skipper Matt Norris.

Their trip to the Welsh capital in the penultimate round of this season’s fixtures could well determine which club becomes 2017 South Wales Premier League champions.

The wet weather looked to have scuppered Newport’s chances of defending their crown but victory over Port Talbot last Saturday, coupled with a defeat for Cardiff, has given them new hope.

Norris’ men sit 18 points behind Cardiff with three matches left, with the latter going to Port Talbot tomorrow as Newport host Division One’s bottom club.

Dean Cosker, whose job has limited him to only a couple of appearances for Newport this term, comes in for the unavailable Harry Powell in the only change to Norris’ XI.

“It has been a tough few weeks for us,” said the Spytty Park captain.

“It’s frustrating when your games are called off and you see other teams playing.

“It was a real club effort last Saturday with everyone helping get the covers on and off to let us get a game in – and Cardiff losing was an extra bonus.

“We managed to get a game in and win, and then we saw Cardiff had lost to Bridgend, so that helped us a lot.

“We’re 18 points behind them now and just looking to win against Penarth tomorrow before going to Cardiff next Saturday.

“That’s going to be a massive game but we have to keep our focus on Penarth.”

Another boost for Norris came the day after his side had seen off Port Talbot when they beat Panteg to capture the Macey Shield.

It was the one piece of silverware they failed to get their hands on during a historic trophy-laden 2016 campaign.

“The Macey Shield had eluded us for a couple of years and we made hard work of it,” added Norris.

“We were cruising with five overs to go and three wickets down, but then there was a flurry of wickets which made things a bit interesting towards the end.

“But we always felt we were in control and it was nice to win it again after about five years.”

Meanwhile, Panteg entertain Carmarthen Wanderers, the side directly above them in Division Two, tomorrow, as Newport Fugitives go to leaders St Fagans.

Newbridge got their South East Wales Premier League Division One title charge back on track last weekend in, beating Blackwood by 47 runs.

James Morgan’s men are now 14 points clear of second-placed Malpas after they suffered a 31-run defeat to Brecon.

It is Blackwood away for Malpas tomorrow and Newbridge face a tricky tie at Sudbrook, third in the standings with four matches remaining.

Croesyceiliog host Brecon, Chepstow go to Usk and Pontypridd welcome Pentyrch to Ynysangharad Park.

There is a three-way battle at the top of Division Two with Cardiff Gymkhana leading Abergavenny by a point and Rogerstone a further two back.

Rogerstone host the frontrunners in tomorrow’s standout game, while Abergavenny travel to Cardiff Central.

In Division Three, Crumlin hold a 10-point advantage over second-placed Sully Centurions, who have played one fixture more.

Pontymister & Cross Keys, the side that goes to Crumlin this weekend, beat Sully, at home to Barry Wanderers, last time out.