After last weeks fine Winning Draw against 2015 SWPL Champions Bridgend, Newport had 

another good Winning Draw (+30) against Neath at Spytty Park, to go top of the SWPL. Newport 
had young Australian all-rounder Callum Taylor to thank for a fine match winning performance 
with both bat and ball.

Heavy rain throughout the week and overnight on Friday, caused the match to be shortened to 
30 overs. Newport elected to bat on winning the toss but were soon in trouble losing an early 
wicket. Imran Hassan 39, Kamau Leverock 19 and Michael Clayden 28 consolidated the position, 
but no-one seemed to be particularly comfortable against a tight Neath attack. At 111-7 (25.5 overs). 
Newport appeared to be in deep trouble, but an excellent 8th wicket partnership of 39 in quick time, 
between Callum Taylor (23no) and Scott Thornton 17no) took the Newport innings to a respectful 150-7 in 
their 30 overs. A.Colston 3-47 in 6 overs being the cheif wicket taker for Neath.

Harry Powell took the early wicket of Steffan Roberts in the Neath reply, but it was young Australian,
off spinner Callum Taylor who caused real problems for the Neath batsmen. In a well controlled 
6 over spell he claimed 3 wickets for 23 to rip the heart out of the Neath batting. Neil Brand was 
fighting a lone battle as wickets fell around him and with a slow run rate Neath were sliding into 
trouble at 79-6 off 24 overs. Brand continueed his lone battle scoring 62 no, but it was Newport 
who claimed a winning draw and an important 17point. 

With news that 2nd and 3rd placed rivals Cardiff and Bridgend had been cancelled it meant that 
Newport jumped over both of the to claim top spot after 8 matches.

Top of the SWPL Table
Newport 115pts
Cardiff 110 pts
Bridgend 107 pts

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