Menai put their flying start to a champion test
MENAI Bridge are likely to face one of their toughest tests of the season when they host North Wales League Premier Division champions Llandudno this Saturday.
The Bridge made it seven straight wins last weekend with a narrow one-wicket success at Denbigh, but saw their lead at the summit cut to eight points after second-place Bangor hammered Llanrwst.
Next up for Dion Holden’s side is Tudno, who have won five out of seven to date, but lie in sixth spot and trail Menai by 30 points.
Jack Rimmington’s Seasiders have made a habit of winning a number of close-fought encounters this term and Bridge will need to be on form to overcome the test.
Former skipper, all-rounder Robbie Jones, is expected to be back for the leaders having missed last Saturday’s triumph at Denbigh as he was attending a wedding.
Denbigh batted first and the fact they reached 179 all out was largely down to a cracking 104 from opening bat Jackson Braddock-Pajo.
The New Zealander shared in a big first-wicket stand with Gerallt Lyall (33). After that only one other batsman made double figures.
For the Anglesey side, captain Holden grabbed 3-40, Gerallt Roberts 3-51, Zachary Ringrose 2-29 and Arwel Thomas 2-35.
In reply, Menai’s top order did well, Holden (65), Thomas (35) and Danny Creek (26) making fine contributions, but then a flood of wickets left the table-toppers staring defeat in the face.
However, last pair Paul Lucas and Gerallt Roberts edged the Bridge over the line at 180-9 and an 11-4 victory. Jack Griffiths stood out for Denbigh with 6-35.
Bangor’s dynamic run continued with an eight-wicket success at home to Llanrwst.
The Rwsters won the toss and elected to bat, but were rolled over for just 89 in 37.3 overs, Amlyn Layton top-scoring with 31.
Francois Mostert was impeccable as always, leading the Bangor bowlers with a return of 4-16 off 10.3 overs, while Nadeem Rehman snared 3-27.
Bangor reached 91-2 in just 21.2 overs for a 14-1 verdict, David Winter notching up 51 off 57 balls.
The citizens visit Gresford this Saturday, targeting a seventh win in eight outings.
In the 1st XI First Division, Bethesda’s match at Pontblyddyn had to be cancelled due to major traffic delays on the A55. It is hoped the fixture can be rearranged for a later date.
Edward Gadsby’s unbeaten ton helped Bodedern to a fantastic 12-3 win at Mynydd Isa in the 1st XI Second Division.
Isa won the toss and chose to bat, being bowled out for 235.
In response, Boded made it to 236-5 in 42 overs, Gadsby finishing 118 not out off 125 balls, hitting 21 fours and two sixes.
Brian Jones was next highest scorer for the Anglesey outfit with 35.
Menai Bridge walloped Llandudno by nine wickets in a 2nd XI Premier Division clash at Tyn-y-Caeau.
James Jones nabbed 3-4 as Tudno were sent packing for just 103, Phil Smith with 2-9 and Daniel Surgey 2-33.
Bridge then coasted to 105-1 in just 14.5 overs for a 14-1 verdict, Matt Bixby crashing 12 boundaries in an unbeaten 69.