TOP spot in Division One of the South East Wales Cricket League has become something of a poisoned chalice over recent weeks with four different leaders in the last month.

Chepstow were in pole position up until their defeat by Newbridge, who then took over at the summit, on June 25.

Newbridge couldn’t hold onto first place for longer than seven days as they lost to Newport Fugitives, a result which allowed Pontypridd to move to the top.

However, Ponty’s reign lasted as long as Newbridge’s, with last weekend’s five-wicket reverse against the Fugitives seeing Matthew Evans’ charges become the new frontrunners.

Evans is thrilled that his Fugitives side are leading the division, but he admits he is also surprised to see them where they are.

Some 21 points separate the top six teams, meaning there could well be a lot more chopping and changing of positions before the season comes to a climax in early September.

The Fugitives are six points clear of second-placed Ponty and will fancy their chances of staying at the summit for at least another week as they play one-from-bottom Abergavenny tomorrow.

“I’m absolutely delighted,” said Evans. “The boys are playing really well. The most pleasing thing for us is that with a few key players missing the boys that have come in have performed really well.

“The club is in a good place at the moment, on and off the field, although I have to say I’m a bit surprised that we’re doing so well.”

Looking ahead to the Fugitives’ trip to Avenue Road, the skipper added: “Abergavenny have got a few key players back and it will be a much harder challenge than when we played them earlier in the season.

“We’re going up there expecting a tough game and I don’t actually remember us winning in Abergavenny.

“Huw Wilcox is away for us but Roy Emmett, who turns 50 in September, is in great form at the moment and is probably our key player right now.

“This season he has passed 3,000 runs for the first team and 450 league wickets.”

Elsewhere in the division, Blackwood host Radyr, Croesyceiliog entertain Chepstow, Newbridge go to Ponty and Sudbrook travel to Usk.

In Division Two of the South Wales Premier League, leaders Panteg host struggling Clydach having reclaimed top spot from Penarth last weekend.

Ian Bird’s Panteg made the most of Penarth’s abandoned game against Clydach to move into first place thanks to their win at St Fagans.

“It was a must-win after losing to Penarth a fortnight earlier so we were pleased to do just that,” said captain Bird.

“The wicket wasn’t the best but we stepped up with the ball to make the most of it.

“Chris Mee was our standout performer with 4-15 and was superb, then Akhtar Balouch did really well with the bat to get us over the line.

“It looks to be between us, Penarth and St Fagans so we just have to string together some wins now to put ourselves in a good position.”

Still to lose in Division One, Michael Clayden’s Newport side lead second-placed Cardiff by five points with seven matches left.

West Wales beckons for Newport tomorrow as they head to Pontarddulais, the side they drew with at Spytty Park in May.

A 25-point gap has opened up between Cardiff and Port Talbot in third so it could be a race between the current top two for the title.

Meanwhile, Ammanford host Bridgend, Mumbles welcome Ynysygerwn to Marespool, Neath make the short journey to Port Talbot and Swansea play Cardiff at St Helen’s.