NEWPORT are on a hot streak in the Swalec Premier League but there is little chance of anybody getting carried away with how things are going at Spytty Park.

The third-placed side romped to an eight-wicket win at Port Talbot last weekend with captain Michael Clayden leading by example with a superb 109.

They have not lost in the league since Ammanford got the better of them on May 15, but tomorrow they face a side who gave them the run around on the first weekend of the season.

Ynysygerwn amassed 318-7 from their 50 in May before Newport, who had won the toss and inserted their hosts, responded with 277-7.

However, Newport have been playing with confidence of late and Clayden said that is down to their team ethic and everyone staying grounded.

“We played pretty well but it is just one game and it won’t mean much if we lose this week,” said the skipper. “We are on a good run but this game keeps you pretty levelheaded.

“We don’t get carried and we know that there are other sides who are stronger, but we are just playing well as a team.

“The batting is going well and we are just trying to keep the runs down on flat wickets.

“The balance of the side is good with two spinners and three or four seamers. Everyone has a job to do and we are just trying to keep things simple.”

Newport’s attack is bolstered by Glamorgan all-rounder Jon Glover, who will open the bowling and bat in the middle of the order.

Usk will be looking to match their stunning performance against Pontarddulais when they head to St Helen’s to take on Swansea.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat at the Athletic Ground and promptly got off to a flying start.

But two wickets from Travis Townsend and three from Neil Perrett helped stall the side from the west and they finished on 189-9.

At 81-5 it looked like Usk’s proud home record would go, but Townsend struck a superb unbeaten 76 and teenage wicket-keeper Tom Baker chipped in with 52 not-out to see the hosts home.

Eighth-placed Usk will hope to pull away from the basement with a useful points haul against a struggling Swansea side who are somewhat surprisingly bottom of the table.

Sudbrook continue to set the pace in Division One of the Thomas, Carroll Cricket League after crushing Tondu last week.

They racked up 254-9 before skittling the visitors for 125 for a 22-point haul.

Tomorrow they host bottom club Croesyceiliog, who suffered another loss at Pentyrch last weekend but who had Sudbrook on the ropes back in May.

“We were four down early on against them before the game got abandoned at the start of the season so hopefully there won’t be a repeat of that,” said Sudbrook captain Mike Shaw.

“There is no danger of us taking a win for granted against Croesyceiliog but we will be looking for another good performance so that we can stay on top of the table.

“Last weekend went as we hoped it would and we need more of the same.

“We are enjoying being top but we are not used to it! It has been a while since we have been one of the strongest sides in the league.”

The leaders will be hoping for a favour from Panteg, who host second-placed Bridgend.

The fourth-placed side slipped up against Blackwood last weekend and will be keen to remain in the hunt at the top end of the table with a good showing against a side that many fancy for promotion.

Abergavenny head to Pentyrch on the back of a superb seven-wicket win at Penarth.

The Avenue Road outfit bowled their hosts out for 220 before a sensational unbeaten 161 from Greg Fury saw them home at a canter, a perfect response to the previous week’s defeat at Panteg.

“We have lost twice this season but have come back to get a big win on both occasions.” said captain James Schofield.

“It was a close game on the first day of the season and we are a bit stronger now so should be able to go there and have a good chance of another win.”

Blackwood’s morale will have been boosted by last week’s 20-pointer against Panteg and they will be looking to stay in the winning habit at Penarth.

Fifth-placed Chepstow, who lost to Bridgend by five wickets last weekend, will be looking to get back on track when they head to Tondu.