NEWPORT dodged a bullet last weekend in the Thomas Carroll South Wales Premier League and will look to make the most of their escape when they travel west this weekend.

Defeat was on the cards for the second-placed Spytty Park side against Bridgend when the leaders’ run chase was scuppered by the rain.

They had been 117/1 in pursuit of 181 yet had to settle for 14 points with Newport bagging 12.

That haul meant the top two stretched slightly further away from the chasing pack as all other games were cancelled.

On Saturday they travel to fifth-placed Ammanford, who are back in the top flight after romping to the title in Division One of the South Wales Cricket Association last year.

“They won the Premier League in 2012 and have pretty much the same side, so that shows how hard the league can be,” said Newport captain Michael Clayden.

“(Former Glamorgan batsman) Alun Evans is their prize scalp but they are a tidy side and we will have to play well out there.

“We started well with the bat last week before falling away but we have been in good form so hope that continues while we need to keep the pressure on with the ball.”

Elsewhere, leaders Bridgend host Ynysygerwn, Port Talbot take on Cardiff in the capital, Neath welcome bottom club St Fagans to the Gnoll and Pontarddulais lock horns with Mumbles.

In Division Two of the Premier League Panteg maintained their fine form by bagging 18 points from their rain-affected clash with Miskin Manor.

It has been a tricky start to the campaign for the club’s batsmen but the top order all contributed to a total of 254-4 off 40 overs with captain Ian Bird top-scoring with 76 and Callum Reid (60), Akhtar Balouch (48) and John Glover (30) all playing their part.

They will try to keep their momentum away to Penarth, who have started the season strongly to sit second behind leaders Swansea.

“The batting unit functioned for the first time and it was nice to get some runs personally while others look to be coming in to form at the right time,” said Bird.

“The confidence is coming back after three good performances and we will be looking to keep the momentum at Penarth.”

Swansea travel to Tondu, bottom pair Aberdare and Tata Steel lock horns, Misin Manor host Ynystawe and Carmarthen Wanderers entertain Pentyrch.