THERE are some interesting east versus west battles in the South Wales Premier League tomorrow, particularly down in the second division where survival remains the top priority for Gwent clubs.

Panteg remain the most at risk of relegation after losing for the eighth time this season last Saturday – their cause wasn’t helped by just a second win of the summer for Newport Fugitives.

Basement boys Panteg are now 14 points adrift at the foot of the table following their 30-run defeat by Carmarthen Wanderers at Trinity Fields in west Wales.

Despite restricting the hosts to 150, Callum Reid’s men were bowled out for 120 with nearly nine overs left.

Ynysygerwn travel east to Panteg tomorrow on the back of a three-wicket reverse against leaders Swansea, on a weekend that saw only one team, Ynystawe, score more than 200.

After Ynysygerwn, Panteg take on Malpas and Newbridge in two massive Gwent derbies that, if they were to lose them, could well spell the end for Reid’s charges.

The Fugitives face the toughest test of the Gwent quartet this weekend as they go to St Helen’s for a clash with Swansea, who have a 37-point advantage at the summit.

But they make the journey down the M4 in confident mood following that superb result against Penarth.

Other than Jack Thorpe-Yon (45 not out), the Fugitives batsmen all struggled for runs, with skipper Nathan Millichip (12) the only other player to reach double figures.

A target of 116 looked very gettable for Penarth, but Roy Emmott, James Didcote, Millichip and Ross Madden were on song with the ball, bowling out the hosts for a meagre 91.

Meanwhile, Carmarthen face another Gwent side tomorrow, with a trip to Bettws Lane to take on Malpas in store.

Malpas sit immediately below Wanderers in the table, however, 26 points separate the two and the west Walians won the reverse fixture in May by 58 runs.

Michael Martin and his troops never got close to Ynystawe’s 235-3 last time out.

Opener Ryan Ward struck eight fours and a six in his 76-ball 59, but Carl Roberts truly proved to be Malpas’ nemesis on the day, taking 5-25 after earlier smashing an unbeaten 114.

With six games to go, Malpas should be safe, although they will want as many points as possible tomorrow to make absolutely sure.

A second win in three matches for Newbridge, by seven wickets away to Gorseinon, boosted the chances of James Morgan’s charges keeping their division two status.

Second-placed Ynystawe head to the Welfare Ground from the lower Swansea Valley tomorrow knowing nothing less than a win will do if they have any hope of pipping Swansea to the title.

Another side whose championship ambitions are now looking even slimmer is Newport, who are also involved in an east-west showdown this weekend.

Newport’s five-game winning streak in division one came to an end at Spytty Park, St Fagans coming out on top in a low scoring encounter.

The Saints and Neath are now locked together at the top of the table, while Newport go to Clydach tomorrow 34 points back in sixth.

Elsewhere, Ammanford, Mumbles and Pontarddulais host Bridgend, Port Talbot and Cardiff respectively.

Chepstow still lead the way in South East Wales League Division One, but their hot streak is over after being stunned by Monmouth, who brought the pacesetters’ seven-match winning run to an end last Saturday.

Chepstow may have thought they were set for an eighth victory on the spin after posting a score of 229-7.

But Monmouth had other ideas and half-centuries from David Teague, Sam Swingwood and Josh Grey saw the visitors canter home with two overs to spare – Swingwood and Grey put on 128 for the third wicket.

Chepstow are away to fourth-placed Usk tomorrow, while Monmouth, now 53 points above bottom club Brecon, go to Pontypridd.

Usk were also on the wrong end of a somewhat surprising defeat last weekend when they lost to Croesyceiliog, who host Brecon tomorrow.

Croesy now look safe in eighth, while third-placed Abergavenny, with eight games to go, are still fighting for honours. They host Cardiff Gymkhana.

Meanwhile, Sudbrook entertain Blackwood in a battle between two mid-table teams.

Blackwood will be out for revenge after a nine-wicket thrashing by their Monmouthshire opponents in May.