MALPAS chairman Mark Carnevale believes his club can use today's opponents Newbridge as a template for their own development.

Under new skipper David Martin, South East Wales League Division One newcomers Malpas have won their last four games after starting the season with three successive defeats.

They now sit fourth in the table, just five points behind second-placed Chepstow, the team they beat so convincingly a fortnight ago.

But in Newbridge, 37 points clear at the summit, the Bettws Lane outfit face a massive threat to their hopes of making it five victories on the trot.

However, even if the visitors do complete a league double over their hosts today, Malpas chairman Carnevale is happy to see his club heading in the right direction.

And he admits that the Newbridge model is one they want to follow at Malpas.

“We can use Newbridge as a template for what we are trying to achieve,” he said.

“They are the team to beat because of what they have done with their youth system.

“They bring young players through and give them a chance – they have an opening batsman and bowler who are 18 – and that is what we want to do.

“I brought our youth section back when I became chairman and the emphasis has been on that in recent years.

“We’ve got under-11, 13, 15 and 19 teams, we’ve got cricket for kids on Mondays and softball for the under-nines.”

Ryan Ward (102 not out), James Francis (59) and Lewis Morgan (65) saw Malpas to an eight-wicket thrashing of Pentyrch last weekend, and more of the same will be needed against Newbridge.

Ryan Watkins top-scored for them in a 77-run defeat of Usk, as the league leaders strengthened their hold on top spot.

Usk entertain Sudbrook today, Pontypridd go to Blackwood, Chepstow visit Brecon and Croesyceiliog welcome Pentyrch to Gwent.

The race for the Division One title in the South Wales Premier League looks like it could be a two-horse race between defending champions Newport and pacesetters Cardiff.

Both won fairly comfortably last Saturday to leave Cardiff 12 points better off than their rivals.

The two are away today, Newport go to Neath and Cardiff travel west to Mumbles, the side Newport saw off at Spytty Park last time out.

In Division Two, Sean Clarke (103) and James Reid (89 not out) put on 191 for the seventh wicket as Panteg earned a winning draw at home to Miskin Manor.

That result, coupled with a loss for leaders St Fagans, means Ian Bird’s men go to the frontrunners today 14 points adrift in second.

Newport Fugitives struggled with the bat against Carmarthen Wanderers and are now six without a win.

They are still in the running for top honours but will have to get back on track, starting today when Tata Steel come to Rogerstone, if they want to stay in touch with the leading pack.