NEWPORT are hoping that a hard-earned win can kick-start their Swalec Premier League season as they prepare to welcome the champions to Spytty Park.

They host Sully tomorrow after picking up 19 precious points last weekend with a 27-run victory against Ammanford.

Newport could only muster 142 in tough conditions with Glamorgan spinner Dean Cosker snaring two victims and conceding just nine runs from 10 overs.

However, a team bowling effort saw the west Walians skittled for just 115 and helped sixth-placed Newport inch away from the drop zone.

“It was a very important win,” said captain Mike Clayden. “It wasn’t the best of wickets but we worked hard to get a game on and got the reward.

“We would have bowled and were disappointed with our score. Cosker bowled well for them but we put ourselves in a good position at 80-odd for two and then lost wickets at poor times.

“But we came back well from that and it was all about getting a win that gives us some breathing space.

“However, we are under no illusions that we are still only one game away from being in the mire and hopefully we can get a couple more wins.”

It will be a tough test tomorrow against a Sully side that are suprisingly off the pace in their bid to retain their title.

But Newport, who have brought off-spinner Josh Ashton back into their side after the pitch turned last weekend, know that they will have to be on their game.

“I think Glamorgan are releasing their players so that means that Sully will have Mike O’Shea and Will Bragg along with the Slyvesters and Lloyd Smith.

“They have a top side and have had the better of us in recent years. They are still dangerous and when they have won this season they have won well, so we will need to be on our game.”

Bad weather wiped out all six games in Division One of the Thomas, Carroll Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League.

Two of the teams trying to reel in leaders Panteg will have to succeed on their travels.

Usk are in second place as they bid to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt and tomorrow they head to bottom club Pentyrch.

Third-placed Abergavenny face a tricky clash at Blackwood, who have already enjoyed a home win against the leaders this season.

Panteg will look to keep setting the pace with big points haul when they host Tondu while Sudbrook are on their travels to fourth-placed Penarth.

Chepstow will hope to halt their slump when they host Croesyceiliog, who are in dire need of a win themselves if they are to climb up from second from bottom.

Rogerstone are directly above them and will relish welcoming St Fagans, who were two divisions above them this time last year, to the Welfare Ground.