MALPAS got their timing absolutely spot on last weekend as they beat table-toppers Ynystawe with two balls to spare – and they will want more of the same on home soil tomorrow.

Promoted to South Wales Premier League Division Two at the end of the 2017 season, Malpas are yet to win on their own patch so far this term.

But they have a good chance of putting that right when Tata Steel, the side two points below them in the standings, make the trip to Malpas’ Bettws Lane ground.

And if the performance they produced away to the league leaders six days ago is anything to go by then it shouldn’t be long before the second tier’s new boys find their feet in NP20.

Replying to Ynystawe’s 307-7, James Francis and Ryan Ward put on 156 for the first Malpas wicket, with the former going on to make 82 and the latter 119.

Their partnership ended when Francis perished, and two more batsmen came and went before skipper Lewis Morgan and Ward added 68 for the fourth wicket.

Malpas edged past 300 but still needed four to win when last man Peter Mason made his way to the wicket.

However, Mason and David Griffiths held their nerve to get Malpas over the line and secure a second triumph of the campaign for the Gwent club.

Tata have lost their last two matches, the latest by three wickets to Newport Fugitives, who host Carmarthen Wanderers tomorrow.

Panteg, in sixth, could climb to third with a win at home to Penarth, who are hot on the heels of Ynystawe.

Newport preserved their slender advantage at the top of Division One last time out with a comfortable 51-run success at Neath.

Captain Matt Norris, wicketkeeper Mark Wallace and Zalmai Ahmadzai made useful contributions with the bat and they will want to repeat that against Bridgend at Spytty Park tomorrow.

Top tier newcomers St Fagans are breathing down Newport’s neck just two points further back.

In South East Wales League Division One, Newbridge are doing their utmost to stay in touch with high-flying Miskin Manor.

The two sides meet next week but before that Newbridge must do the business against Usk at home – Usk leapfrogged Brecon last Saturday with a narrow defeat of the same opponents.

Sudbrook and Chepstow are separated by three points in fourth and fifth respectively and both are on their travels tomorrow.

Sudbrook go to Croesyceiliog and Chepstow visit Brecon, while Abergavenny are also on the road with a game at Pontypridd.