TENSION is building throughout domestic cricket as the season moves towards its conclusion – and a handful of Gwent clubs are set for some nerve-jangling days before the campaign is over.

There are issues to be settled up and down the South Wales Premier League and South East Wales League, with the likes of Panteg, Newport Fugitives, Chepstow, Abergavenny and Usk involved.

In Panteg’s case, despite beating Malpas last weekend, relegation from the second division of the South Wales Premier League looks all but confirmed after a second points deduction of the summer.

Sadly, the 17 points they earned in defeating county rivals Malpas were wiped out as the club’s second XI defaulted again, leaving the firsts with minus three points from their victory.

With two to go down, they sit rock bottom of the table, 55 points adrift of Gorseinon, the side occupying the first safe place.

Suffice to say that their match at Gwent foes Newbridge tomorrow is a must-win, and even if they do get over the line then results elsewhere could seal their fate.

Despite the seconds giving their opponents a walkover, first XI captain James Reid and his men battled bravely to see off visiting Malpas by five wickets.

James Gill top-scored for the away side with just 18 as Panteg’s bowling attack skittled Malpas out for just 87 in 35.2 overs.

There were a few rocky moments in the hosts’ reply – they were 62-5 at one stage – but Chris Mee, who had earlier taken 3-22, hit an unbeaten 25 to see Panteg home alongside Abbas Ashraf.

It is likely to be a double relegation blow for Gwent in division two, with the Fugitives also in must-win territory.

Realistically, they must beat visiting Gorseinon tomorrow to maintain their chances of avoiding the drop.

They are 34 points behind Gorseinon following a 260-run hiding at Ynysygerwn last Saturday, in a match the Fugitives players will want to erase from their memories.

Ynysygerwn amassed 386-8 in their 50 overs.

Three batsmen struck half-centuries, the joint-third highest scorer were the 60 extras the Fugitives bowled, while Jack Thorpe-Yon went for 106 in his 10 overs, though he did take two wickets.

Skipper Nathan Millichip notched a rapid 35 in reply, but it was a forlorn task for the Newport batsmen as they were all out for 126.

Malpas know their bowling will have to be up to scratch tomorrow as they entertain second-placed Ynysygerwn, who are 50 points behind leaders Swansea.

It seems strange saying it at this point in proceedings, but Newport are involved in a mid-table battle tomorrow, with a trip west to Pontarddulais for the Spytty Park outfit.

Leaders St Fagans are 13 points clear of Neath with Cardiff 10 points further back in third.

Gwent hopes of championship glory come in South East Wales League Division One where Chepstow got back to winning ways last Saturday after a sticky patch.

They go to bottom club Brecon tomorrow hoping to boost their current cushion of 17 points over Abergavenny, who host Pontypridd.

With six fixtures left, you can’t rule Usk out of the title race just yet.

They are 24 points away from Chepstow in fourth place – Pentyrch lie third – and face a travelling Blackwood side who only have pride to play for.

Elsewhere, Sudbrook welcome Cardiff Gymkhana to Monmouthshire, Croesyceiliog host Miskin Manor and Monmouth are at Pentyrch.