THE TWO challengers to table-topping Panteg meet in Division One of the Glamorgan and Monmouthshire League tomorrow afternoon.

Second-placed Usk host Abergavenny with both sides looking to get out in the middle after a frustrating few weeks in the league.

Usk suffered a washout at Pentyrch last weekend, seven days after their home encounter with Blackwood was a victim of the weather.

Abergavenny has also kicked their heels on the sidelines for the last two Saturdays when they were meant to be up against Blackwood and Chepstow.

They do, however, head to the Athletic Ground in good form after a fine Gwalia Welsh Cup win against Cresselly last Sunday that sets up a weekend sectional final against Panteg.

Greg Fury and Ryan Watkins put the visitors to the sword at Avenue Road, the latter smashing 139, to ensure they are in fine spirits ahead of a crunch clash.

"Having lost to Panteg we need to win to keep on their coattails," said captain James Schofield.

"We are having an okay season but the weather has frustrated us and we were disappointed by the two games before this break.

"There was the loss to Panteg and then a poor performance against Penarth, although we showed great character to turn it around and win from a losing position.

"But it was a good win for us last Sunday and hopefully it bodes well that both Greg and Ryan got runs."

An inexperienced Usk side suffered a heavy Welsh Cup loss at Premier League champions Sully last Sunday but it promises to be a much tighter affair tomorrow.

"I think it is between the three of us and I don’t think that any of us would look out of place in the Premier League," said captain Tom Robinson.

"It’s been an excellent season for us with the batters getting plenty of runs and bowlers getting plenty of wickets, but it’s all down to three games now.

"If we win against Abergavenny twice and at Panteg then we will win the league because I can’t see there being many slip-ups by the top teams."

For Panteg it’s very much a case of keeping their focus on a potentially tricky trip to Sudbrook rather than thinking about their rivals.

"We just need to keep our own house in order," said skipper Ian Bird, whose side are fresh from a seven-wicket league win against Tondu and cup victory against St Fagans.

"We improved our average by getting a game on last week and taking 20 points so we are after more of the same.

"Every weekend brings a different challenge and Sudbrook are a good side with some really dangerous players."

Sudbrook also managed to play last weekend and improved their average with a 16-point haul at Penarth.

Skipper Mike Hall led the way with the ball – taking five for 34 as they defended 157 – but the hosts hung on with nine wickets down and their score on 140.

Rogerstone, who lost by eight wickets to St Fagans last weekend, will be hoping to record a much-needed win when they host bottom club Pentyrch.

Croesyceiliog and Blackwood have been denied any action by the weather over the last two weeks but will be hoping for better luck at The Highway.

Chepstow are having a frustrating season and will be looking for a pick-me-up on their travels to Tondu while the weekend’s other game sees St Fagans host Penarth.