A HOST of Gwent sides remain firmly in the hunt for silverware this summer as the domestic club cricket season in Wales nears its climax.

Top honours in the South Wales Premier League and South East Wales League are still up for grabs with just a few weeks of the 2016 campaign to go.

Newport, Panteg, Newport Fugitives, Malpas and Monmouth sit at the top of their divisions, although the likes of Newbridge, Chepstow and Croesyceiliog also have designs on league glory.

In Division One of the Premier League, Newport saw their lead at the summit cut to just four points last weekend.

They could only muster six points from a losing draw against closest challengers Cardiff, whose 17 points means the race for the title is still wide open.

A win for Michael Clayden’s Newport side would have given them a massive boost, but after seeing Cardiff make 201-7 in 50 overs, the Spytty Park outfit were hanging on at the end of their reply.

Despite 67 from opener Matthew Norris, Newport stuttered to 168-9 at stumps.

Clayden’s troops entertain fourth-placed Bridgend on home soil tomorrow, while Cardiff host strugglers Ynysygerwn in the Welsh capital.

Newport’s last two games of the season see them visit Neath and Port Talbot, with Cardiff travelling to Bridgend and Neath.

Elsewhere tomorrow, Mumbles, Pontarddulais and Swansea enjoy home advantage for their showdowns with Neath, Port Talbot and Ammanford respectively.

It is even closer in Division Two where Panteg hold a three-point lead over Penarth.

The two sides, who both won last Saturday, have gone toe-to-toe at the top of the table from day one.

Panteg host Pentyrch and Penarth entertain Tondu tomorrow, and if the frontrunners prevail in their next two fixtures then the final-day clash between the teams is likely to be a winner-takes-all encounter.

Chris Mee (5-25) and Sean Clarke (4-22) were on fire during Panteg’s five-wicket defeat of Miskin Manor, as Lloyd Smith smashed a 49-ball half-century to steer his side home.

It is as you were at the top of South East Wales League Division One, as the Fugitives continue to head Newbridge and Chepstow.

However, the Fugies suffered their third loss of the summer six days ago when Sudbrook sprung a big surprise to sink the league leaders.

Tom Cleeve’s 81 laid the foundation for the Fugies’ score of 227-9 batting first, but all of the Sudbrook top order contributed in reply to see the visitors home by five wickets.

Ross Lewis (53), skipper Michael Martin (61), Kel Stevens (29), Jamie Watkins (41) and Jonathan Lewis (27no) helped deal the Fugies a huge blow in their pursuit of the title.

Captain Matthew Evans’ charges are now 13 points in front of Newbridge, with 29 points separating the sides from third to eighth.

The Fugies should fancy their chances at Radyr tomorrow, Newbridge visit Sudbrook, Chepstow go to Usk, Croesy host Abergavenny and Blackwood entertain Pontypridd.

In Division Two, Malpas, who lead Cardiff Gymkhana and Brecon in the standings, can move closer to the championship and promotion with a win at rock bottom Sully Centurions.

And in Division Three, Monmouth host fifth-placed Dinas Powis, while Crumlin, in second, travel to fourth-placed Creigiau.