PANTEG are setting the pace in Division Two of the South Wales Premier Cricket League but the Gwent side know that they have a pair of fierce rivals in the tussle for promotion.

A 17-point haul from their home fixture with Miskin Manor last weekend means they stayed on top of the pile with a five-point advantage over Penarth and nine-point buffer to St Fagans.

They had to rally for success after being reduced to 98/5 with David Filer (43) and Sean Clarke (51) joining forced to post 256/9 and the visitors were then limited to 204/7.

This weekend they travel to face a Pentyrch side who are yet to taste victory but after being pipped for the title by Swansea in 2015 there is no danger of Panteg getting carried away.

"We managed to get through again on Saturday, although at 98/5 we were in a spot of bother and we needed our two batters to pull us out of the quagmire to post a decent score," said captain Ian Bird.

"We've had a good start and I think the three teams at the top will be there or thereabouts come the end of the season. I am sure we will all be pushing to get over the line and there's a long way to go.

"We just need to concentrate on putting in a good shift against Pentyrch, I feel for them after they've lost some players but they are a good club."

In Division One, Newport face a big test when they travel to leaders and champions Bridgend.

The men from Spytty Park head west on the back of a disappointing losing draw to rivals Cardiff after limiting their visitors to 200.

However, wickets fell at regular intervals and in the end last-wicket pair Zalmai Ahmadzai and Harry Powell had to hold on to secure eight points to leave them fourth.

Bridgend beat Mumbles to take over as leaders last weekend. The champions enjoyed a six-wicket win when the sides met at Newbridge Fields in 2015 while Newport were saved by the weather in the home meeting.

THE Gwent-heavy South East Wales Cricket League, Division One is topped by Pontypridd after Newport Fugitives tasted defeat for the first time last weekend.

However, it's tight at the top with the Fugies, Chepstow and Usk all within striking distance and Croesyceiliog, Newbridge and Sudbrook not far behind.

Blackwood haven't had the best of starts to the season but will hope that their Welsh Cup win against Barry Athletic, which has earned a tie with Newport, can be followed up by a success against the leaders to ignite their league campaign.

Sudbrook toppled Newport Fugitives last weekend – inspired by opener Ross Lewis' 94 – and head to a Newbridge side who are one point above them after a four-wicket win in a low-scoring encounter at Blackwood last weekend.

The Fugies would hope to get back on the horse when they entertain second-from-bottom Radyr.

Chepstow are a side on the up with victories against Abergavenny and Sudbrook followed by a thumping 172-run success at Radyr last weekend.

Opener Carwyn James once again showed his quality with 99 – caught and bowled one run shy of a ton – while there were also big contributions by David Teague (82) and Mitchell Harris (79 not out) before Paul Swingwood, Malith Madurasinghe, Jason Dobbie and Harris all contributed with wickets.

They lock horns with an Usk side fresh from a comfortable six-wicket win against Abergavenny after James Aston's five-for.

Abergavenny are the only winless side in the league and intend to get off the mark when they welcome Croesy to Avenue Road.