NEWPORT would have loved to be at Wembley cheering on the Exiles tomorrow but instead they will be at Spytty Park looking to bounce back in the defence of their South Wales Premier League title.

The club put in a request to league chiefs for their Division One clash with new boys Clydach to be postponed so that they could give Michael Flynn's team their backing against Tranmere in the play-off final.

It was declined, meaning that the champions will focus on the task at hand with the aim of toasting a Newport double in the pavilion afterwards.

The opening weeks of the season have been challenging with an opening weekend win against Cardiff on home soil followed by an eight-wicket loss at Mumbles and six-wicket defeat at St Fagans.

Improving away from Spytty is a necessity but first captain Matt Norris wants to see a team effort to record a victory against Clydach, who also have 26 points after being promoted from Division Two.

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"We have been disappointed with the results but there have been some good individual performances along the way," said the skipper.

"There have been some selection issues in the last two weeks but there have been some good efforts by a handful of guys, we just haven't strung a team performance together.

"This week we will be looking to do that to get the win and it's still early days. It's not ideal to lose two in a row, and I can't remember the last time that happened, but there is lots of cricket to be played.

"We know that it's a long season and while we are not focusing too much on defending our title at the moment, we are still confident that we can."

Newport will face disruption over the coming weeks with Norris heading to Argentina for June's World Rugby U20 Championship as analyst for the Wales youngsters.

Added to that Michael Clayden, who has deputised as skipper, will be unavailable for some fixtures because of work commitments with Glamorgan at Cardiff fixtures in the Cricket World Cup.

"It's challenging for the club but it is good for the young boys and gives opportunities to second team players that are coming through," said Norris.

"It might not be the best for the immediate performances but it will help in the long-term."

Newport Fugitives and Panteg finished in mid-table in Premier Two last year but are still looking to get up and running.

The Fugies, who also would have liked to have a postponement for Wembley, host Swansea after losing by 95 runs to Penarth, that after starting with defeats to Gwent rivals Newbridge and Malpas.

Panteg head to Ynysygerwn after having a day to forget against Carmarthen Wanderers on home soil. The visitors posted 220-9 but in reply only one batsman - number five Callum Reid with 10 - made it to double figures.

After previously being bowled out by Ynystawe for 98 and Gorseinon for 131, Panteg need to get some runs on the board against Ynysygerwn, who have won one and lost two after being relegation from the top flight in 2018.

Malpas have the long trip west to face Carmarthen Wanderers after a remarkable victory against Ynystawe last week.

Defeat looked likely when they posted just 79, with number eight Dan Jones top-scoring with 23, but James Francis saved the day with six for 22 as they skittled their guests for 66.

Newbridge will hope Ynystawe's batting is just as fragile this weekend; the Welfare Ground side head to Swansea after suffering a first loss of the campaign.

Gorseinon opener Kieron Howells was the hero with 123 and early wickets reduced 'Bridge to 9-4. Former Glamorgan all-rounder Ryan Watkins struck a half-century but they were all out for 173.

That allowed Gorseinon to move top of the table, 13 points ahead of 'Bridge and two ahead of Carmarthen. The leaders entertain Penarth this weekend.

Chepstow are setting the early pace in Division One of the South East Wales Cricket League with four wins from four, the latest a seven-wicket success at Monmouth. The leaders host Usk, who lost by 43 runs to Croesyceiliog last weekend.

Blackwood are 14 points back in second spot and welcome Sudbrook to Highfields, aiming to bounce back from their first disappointment of the league campaign against Pentyrch.

The visitors are just five points behind Blackwood and recorded their third win by demolishing Brecon last time out.

Monmouth have lost all three games and will hope to get up and running when they entertain Pontypridd while third-placed Abergavenny, who edged a two-wicket win against Miskin Manor last week, head to Cardiff Gymkhana.

After beating Usk by impressively defending their 202, Croesy aim to avoid becoming the victims of Brecon, who are bottom with just three points.