LAST summer was another special one for Newport Cricket Club’s first XI as they regained the South Wales Premier League title 12 months after just missing out on back-to-back championships.

Following that close call in 2017, the Spytty Park side made absolutely sure of a second league crown in two years by only losing once on their way to lifting the trophy.

On the back of a memorable campaign, Newport have been nominated for the Senior Team of the Year gong in the South Wales Argus Sports Awards, which are held at Chepstow Racecourse on May 22.

"In 2018, the team only lost one Premier League match, winning 13 of their 18 fixtures, with one cancelled and three abandoned due to bad weather,” said club chairman Mike Knight.

“Current Glamorgan director of cricket Mark Wallace and young Callum Taylor were the club's players of the year.

“Wallace scored 523 league runs at an average of 47.55, while also claiming 23 victims behind the wickets.

“Callum scored 530 league runs at an average of 58.89 and claimed 32 wickets with his off-spin.

“He was rewarded for his outstanding contributions for both Newport and Glamorgan seconds with a professional contract with Glamorgan for the 2019 season.”

First-class cricket returns to Newport in May a gap of after 54 years when Spytty Park hosts Glamorgan’s County Championship clash with Gloucestershire.

Wallace, Dean Cosker, Michael Hogan and Newport stalwart Michael Clayden will act as ambassadors for the club during the four-day game.

Nominations can be made at www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sportsawards with the deadline now at midnight on Sunday.