Newport going up with a point to prove

Captain Nick Watkins led them to the Shropshire League Premier Division title for the second time in three years after a last-day clash with Reman Services.

Newport, who went into the game in second place, won by seven wickets to overhaul leaders Reman.

And after being relegated 12 months ago, the skipper is itching to prove they are good enough to remain at the higher level.

Watkins said: "Now the hard work starts but, hopefully, it's a case of unfinished business in that league.

"It was very tough last year and the last time we were relegated from the Birmingham League it took us four years to get back there.

"We set a plan to be back there in a couple of years but we'll be ready because we know what we need."

Newport bowled Reman all out for 78 in the fifth ball of the 29th over. Opening bowler Mark Downes claimed 4-24, with Watkins, Ed Parton and Rajat Bhatia taking two wickets each.

Jamie Prew (34) and Ryan Jakeman (17 not out) then eased Newport home in just 20.2 overs.

Watkins said: "It's taken a while to sink in, because we didn't expect to finish so early. But it's a weight off our shoulders. It was a good toss to win because it was quite a wet wicket.

"We just got amongst them quickly and didn't let them off the hook. Mark Downes was fantastic in his first spell and got a couple of dangerous players out and they never really recovered."

The skipper also paid tribute to opening bat Paul Furniss, who has retired through work and family commitments after 6,000 runs in 18 years of first-team cricket.

Watkins said: "Paul has been a fantastic servant to Newport – he's given everything and we really appreciate his efforts, so he'll be much missed," said the skipper.