THE three-way battle to finish as the top Gwent team in the second tier of the South Wales Premier League could well take another twist this weekend.

Nineteen points separate fifth-placed Newport Fugitives, Panteg, in eighth, and last but one Malpas in Division Two.

But there is still plenty of cricket to be played this summer, with two of the rivals squaring off tomorrow.

The Fugies head to Griffithstown looking to avenge May’s four-wicket loss to Panteg, one of half-a-dozen defeats for Nathan Millichip’s men this term.

If Panteg can do the double over a side on a three-match winning streak it would do wonders for their chances of avoiding the drop.

However, with only one point between them and Carmarthen Wanderers in fourth, the Fugies know a win for them will really put them in the hunt for a top-three finish.

Penarth currently occupy third position but they have it all to do tomorrow when division leaders Clydach visit the Vale of Glamorgan outfit.

There is another big game at the top of the table as second-placed Ynystawe entertain Carmarthen.

A hugely important fixture at the wrong end of the table takes place in West Wales tomorrow with the two bottom sides going head-to-head.

Llanelli beat Malpas in May but find themselves looking up at the rest of the teams in the division with six matches left.

Malpas venture to Stradey Park 10 points better off than their opponents and with a game in hand away to Swansea, who have won three of their last four.

Meanwhile, Newport appear to be out on their own in Division One as they bid for a second title in three years.

Glamorgan’s Nick Selman starred for Matt Norris’ troops last week, hitting an unbeaten 113 against rock bottom Ynysygerwn.

Joe Voke and Callum Taylor struck 57 and 54 respectively in an emphatic eight-wicket triumph, one which strengthened Newport’s grip on first place.

They could be tested by third-placed Ammanford at Spytty Park tomorrow but it’s going to take a big drop off in form for Norris and co to slip up now.

Elsewhere, Newbridge’s hopes of finally earning promotion from South East Wales League Division One have taken a blow over the past fortnight.

First, they lost to Chepstow, then had to settle for a tie against Cardiff Gymkhana – Brecon are their opponents tomorrow.

Miskin Manor bounced back from defeat to Cardiff Gymkhana by easing to an 85-run victory over Pontypridd to go 27 points clear at the top.

Croesyceiliog host the leaders tomorrow, Chepstow go to Abergavenny, Usk visit Pentyrch and Sudbrook welcome Tondu to their Mill Lane ground.