Cricket catch-up: Blackwood Town relegated as others narrowly survive

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It was a tough season for Caerphilly-based sides with no team gaining promotion in the South East Wales Cricket League.

In their final division two match of the season, Newbridge were hoping to finish on a high in an away trip against Croesyceiliog.

The hosts batted first and set a good total of 267 to protect. Newbridge gave it a go, but fell 65 runs short before losing all their wickets. They end the season in sixth and will remain in the the division.

In a summer to forget for Blackwood Town, they still had a chance to avoid the drop if they could beat Brecon on the final day.

Brecon, who were just one place above Blackwood, batted first and set a whopping total of 295 for the visitors to chase.

Blackwood went out with a whimper however, 239 runs short managing just 56. They’ll be in division three next summer.

In division three, it was a fairly average year for Machen, who travelled to Lisvane in their final match.

Batting first, the visitors set a very strong total of 288 for Lisvane to chase. The hosts couldn’t match it, giving Machen a 120-run win. They finish the season in sixth.

Crumlin didn’t play over the weekend, but will be safe regardless in eighth.

Down one division and it was a good year for Pontymister and Crosskeys, who played Monkswood on the final day.

Monkswood batted first and set a manageable total of 145 for the hosts to chase. They did so just in time, winning by two wickets and finishing the season in fifth.

Abercarn were safe coming into the final day down in division seven, they too were hoping to end on a high against Malpas.

After setting a low total of 120, top of the table Malpas made lightwork of the chase, winning without losing a wicket inside 20 overs. Abercarn finish the season in eighth.

Finally down in division ten, Cefn Fforest and Maesycwmmer hosted Creigiau in their final match of the season.

Batting first, they set a pretty decent total of 216, but it was more than enough as the visitors could only manage 96 runs.

Cefn Fforest are safe and finish in eighth.