IPL star Rajat Bhatia checks in at Newport

Bhatia, most recently of the Rajasthan Royals, made his first appearance of the season as Newport scored 212 to beat top of the table St Georges by 36 runs.

And Bhatia did not hang around in acclimatising, bowling Saints danger-man Ben Miller first ball – that after top scoring for Nick Watkins' men with 53.

Skipper Watkins said: "It was a massive win for us, with them top of the league. Over the past three weeks we've really started to perform after a tough start.

"It was something of a statement to the league I think, show them we can challenge. With the introduction of Rajat, we'll really be a force. He will give us the edge."

Joe Watson took 4-15 to help seal the victory as Newport climbed to fifth in the Premier Division.

Watkins added: "It was a match-winning display from Joe, we went there with a plan to score as much as we could and put pressure on them.

"We know what they're capable of, but we performed and we didn't allow them to."

On Bhatia's impact, the captain added: "It's huge, we introduced him to the young players and you could see in their faces.

"They want to impress someone with his calibre, but his advice to everyone – including me – is invaluable."

Meanwhile 'class act' Steve Jones made light work of Bomere Heath's 219 by smashing a fine 106 not out as Madeley romped to an eight-wicket victory.

Bomere Heath are second-bottom, but they won the toss on Saturday and Sam Bloor's 100 ensured they reached a respectable 219-7.

Wicketkeeper Tyler Siegert added 62 for the hosts, with Thomas Dangerambizi (2-55) and Prince (1-46) leading the attack for Madeley.

Skipper Andrew Lloyd said: "We've had a tough couple of weeks against Frankton and Newport and the lads have bounced back. Steve is a class act, he's a great talent at anything he puts his hand to."

Saturday's eight-wicket victory lifts Madeley to seventh and Lloyd believes they can remain out of the bottom three.

He said: "It's a tough league, a big step up for us, but we just want to stay above those bottom three places – that's our aim. Take what we can against the big boys and beat those around us."