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It was a much better week for Caerphilly sides in the South East Wales Cricket League, but there is still plenty of work to be done with half a season remaining.

After a promising start to their division two campaign, Newbridge were looking to return to winning ways against Vale following a couple of losses.

It was visitors Vale who batted first, setting a decent total of 199 for Newbridge to have a go at.

The hosts fell 24 runs short, all out inside 43 overs. That disappointing loss leaves them in seventh and drifting away from the pack.

Blackwood Town had no game over the weekend.

In division three, Machen opened the batting against a Barry Athletic side who have picked-up just one win this season.

The hosts set a huge score of 266 for the visitors to chase, and Barry couldn’t get close. Machen claimed a 103 run win and move up into fifth.

Elsewhere, Crumlin would have fancied their chances up against a fairly weak Pentyrch side.

Crumlin batted first and set the hosts a real challenging total of 221 to go after.

Pentyrch too fell short, managing just 160 runs. That win moves Crumlin up to seventh.

There was more good news for the borough in division four, when Pontymister and Crosskeys faced Ebbw Vale.

It was visiting Ebbw Vale who batted first, and set a reasonable total of 178 for the hosts to chase.

Pontymister made tough work of it, but just about managed to secure a victory with two wickets to spare. They move into fifth.

With no match for Abercarn in division seven, Cefn Fforest and Maesycwmmer were the final side to play over the weekend.

They had a tough match against Great Western Railway (GWR), who batted first and set a total of 202.

Visiting Cefn Fforest made a decent go at it, but ultimately fell 50 runs short; all out after 34 overs. They remain one from bottom after that loss.