Bridge look to build on tightest of wins
MENAI Bridge will look to build on their three-point advantage in the North Wales League Premier Division title race when they host Brymbo at Tyn-yCaeau this Saturday.
The Bridge regained top spot last weekend with a thrilling two-run victory at local rivals Bangor, whose seven-match winning streak came to a disappointing end.
Needing just 138 to win, the Citizens looked well set for success at 73-1 and 106-3, yet the visitors turned the match on its head with some superb bowling, fielding and catching.
Previous meetings between these local rivals since Bangor’s top-flight return in 2014 have been generally low-scoring, close-fought affairs and Saturday’s tussle was no exception.
The hosts won the toss and put Menai into bat.
Bridge slumped to 29-3 before skipper Dion Holden (18) and Robbie Jones (31) steadied the ship with a fourth-wicket stand of 49.
The Anglesey side then plummeted to 93-7, but Gethin Long (24) helped them reach 137 all out off 45.3 overs.
Bangor bowled well as a unit, Nadeem Rehman picking up 3-28, Francois Mostert 3-30 and Gareth W Edwards an impressive 2-15 off 11 overs.
The hosts lost an early wicket in reply, but then David Winter (39) and Mostert (36) boosted the total to 73-1.
Following Mostert’s departure, skipper Robbie Marshall was run out for a duck after facing just a single ball and the loss of Winter left the home side 106-4.
A Bangor win still looked a good bet, but wickets kept on falling and everything depended on all-rounder Rehman as the score touched 133-8.
The Indian ace was then stumped by Jack Gower off spinner Ashley Wood for 41 and three dot balls to end the last over meant the Bangor innings closed on 135-9.
Gerallt Roberts took 2-26, Zachary Ringrose 2-31 and Wood 2-37 as Bridge took the points 11-4 and made it six wins in their last seven contests against the Citizens.
Bangor will aim to bounce back when they visit Chirk this Saturday.
Bethesda were in ruthless form as they crushed Conwy 15-0 in the 1st XI First Division.
Put into bat, Pesda struck 216-9 off 50 overs, captain Nicholas Parry hitting 66 and Carwyn L Williams 42.
Michael Jennins then grabbed 3-37 as Conwy were dismissed for 109, Sean Buchanan 2-14 and Gareth V Picture: Richard Birch Edwards 2-24. Bodedern’s game at Corwen in the 1st XI Second Division was cancelled.
Sion Riley cracked 76 as Menai Bridge seconds walloped Carmel and District 15-0.
Bridge posted 202 all out, Dion Owen adding 29, and then the hosts dismissed their Flintshire visitors for a mere 98, Owen starring with 5-32 off 10 overs and Phil Smith 3-8 from seven.
Bangor 2nds’ game at Abergele was cancelled while Bethesda 2nds’ opponents Holyhead conceded.