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With the South East Wales Cricket league heating up – in every sense of the word – week 12 proved a tough one for several teams across Caerphilly County Borough as promotion potentially slipped away from a few. 

One side who are more concerned about the other end of the table is Newbridge Cricket club. They were looking to register only their fourth win of the season as they hosted fifth place Abergavenny in division one.

In what can only be described as an upset, Newbridge secured 19 of the available 20 points as they won by 69 runs after some smart bowling. That win could prove crucial for Newbridge as they now sit 12 points clear from bottom.

A mouth-watering clash in division two saw top of the table Blackwood face second place Ebbw Vale as both jockey for promotion. 

The tie turned out to be a bit of a let down however, with Blackwood batting first and only managing 133, all out after 34 overs. Ebbw Vale managed the chase comfortably, winning by five wickets in 26 overs.

The pair now switch positions at the top of the table with the difference being 13 points.

Pontymister and Crosskeys were looking to bounce back after last week’s defeat as they played host to Monkswood in division three.

The home side set a very respectable 228 for Monkswood to catch; however the visitors only managed 82, all out after 23 overs. Pontymister and Crosskeys remain second.

The other division three side, Crumlin, were also in action as they were set with the goliath challenge of top of the league Barry Athletic. 

Crumlin set a remarkable 298 for Barry to chase and put all the pressure on the away side. Barry made a good attempt, but ultimately fell short. Crumlin claimed victory by 59 runs.

Crumlin move into sixth spot with that scalp.

In division four, Machen faced a tough test against fourth place Llandaff as they had plans of extending their unbeaten streak to 12.

The 275 set out by Machen proved too much for the visitors, despite a solid 225 response. Machen took all 20 points and remain comfortably top.

Abercarn were looking to build on last week’s win in division seven, when they travelled to second place Penarth.

It wasn’t to be, however, as one of the more comprehensive victories over the weekend saw Penarth win by some 168 runs. Abercarn remain eighth as they look to close the season strongly. 

In division nine, Cefn Fforest and Maesycwmmer were looking to close the gap on top spot after a good win last weekend which left them only six points behind first.

They took on fourth place Croesyceiliog and set them a modest 174 to chase. The home side obliged, winning with four wickets to spare and denting Cefn Fforest and Maesycwmmer’s promotion hopes.