LAST year's Monmouthshire Building Society Youth Cricket Shield Under 13 runners-up, Newport went one better this year in an exciting final against Blackwood at Panteg Cricket Club.

There was a fine opening partnership between Tom Carter (20) and George Davies, who finished on 64 not out, but some tight fielding and bowling ensured their final total of 116 for 4 was not unattainable.

The Blackwood openers also had a good start before Tom Baker was out for 20 and Iwan Gane, who is still only 11, made a very good 36.

The turning point of the match was when George Davies achieved a run out from the boundary.

He also took three wickets while Tom Carter took a hat trick. With the last wicket falling off the last ball, Blackwood had fallen short by just five runs, finishing on 110 all out. George Davies was nominated as the player of the match for his all-round performance and Tom Carter was awarded the match ball for his unique feat in a Shield Final.

Newport - George Davies (Capt), Jordan Bachelor, Thomas Carter, Ryan Cob, David Cook, Adam Cullen, Robert Hoare, Conor Hopkins, Harry Powell, Jack Scarr, Naomi Williams, Evyn Wynn Blackwood - Thomas Baker (Capt), Geraint Capel, Daniel Evans, Iwan Gane, Jared Gore, Ryan Hughes, Nathan Jones, Elliott Keep, Joshua Morris, James Perrett, Daffyd Read, Ethan Shide