HAVING finished second for two years in succession in the South East Wales Cricket League, Sudbrook will be considered by many to be favourites to go a step further this season but they will have to produce improved performances to their opening fixture against Miskin Manor to achieve their aim.

At 181 for 1, they were well placed to go on and record a substantial total but the last nine wickets fell for the addition of just 51 runs with Mathew Kinchin (114), Ross Lewis (32) and James Hussey (50) the only players to score double figures.

Gareth Tyler took an early Miskin wicket but sensible batting by Carl Whitely and Tom Robinson put the visitors on track. George Harvey and Ryan Williams continued the good work and saw their team home by four wickets.

At Avenue Road, Usk brushed aside Abergavenny as they completed a comprehensive eight-wicket victory.

The home team were asked to take first knock and having reached 112 for 3, collapsed to 123 all out with the last six batters contributing just nine runs between them as Tamoor Zafar collected five wickets for 13 off seven overs.

Usk only needed 27 overs to reach their target with Olly Robson (47) and Oscar Watkins (39) making it look easy.

Relegated Malpas travelled to Croesyceiliog for a local derby and were in generous mood as they contributed a staggering 55 extras including 40 wides to the home team’s 205 with Danny Evans highest run getter with 40 while Charlie Young and Ryan Ward each grabbed four wickets.

In reply, Malpas captain and opener Mikey Martin carried his bat for 69 but no other batter offered much support as they were bowled out for 160 with Lauren Parfitt taking four for 48 off her allocated overs.

Just up the road at Panteg, visitors Lisvane took first knock and posted a respectable 231 off their 50 overs with Nye Brown hitting the league's second ton of the season.

In reply, Rhys Salkeld, Sean Clarke and Tariq Afridi each made it to 30 but could not push on and were eventually bowled out int the last over for 169.

The league's other relegated team, Newbridge travelled to a promoted side Tondu and it was the home team that came away with the spoils.

For Newbridge openers Travis Morgan and Ryan Watkins put on 108 for the first wicket before Morgan was stumped having just reached his 50.

Watkins moved on to 82 but there was little support from other batters and his team had to settle for 200 for 7.

Two batters dominated the Tondu scoring with Scott Thornton just falling short of three figures as he was well supported by James Hardwick to see their team home by five wickets.

In the Cardiff derby, Radyr recorded a comprehensive six-wicket victory over Llandaff, who were playing their first ever game at this level.

They took first knock but only Usman Jaura looked comfortable and his 44 runs held his team together as they struggled to 150.

Radyr were always in control in reply and reached their target in the 33rd over with Rhydian Morgan and Tom Saunders unbeaten on 41 and 31 respectively.