Win at Gresford puts Menai top
BANGOR JUST TWO POINTS BEHIND AFTER CLOSE WIN AT BRYMBO
MENAI Bridge moved to the top of the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division on Saturday after their away win at Gresford.
The home side won the toss and put the visitors in to bat with Menai Bridge posting 227-7.
Captain Gethin Roberts led the way with 81 runs, while Luke Jones hit 42 from 69 balls with contributions elsewhere from Robbie Jones (31), Jack Gower (29), Edward Gadsby (27) and Andy Skeoch (5).
Sean O’Callaghan put in a good bowling performance as he took six wickets against Gresford as they were skittled for 104.
The result leaves Menai Bridge two points ahead of second-placed Bangor, who beat Brymbo in a tightly contested match at the Brymbo Sports & Social Complex.
Gareth W Edwards won the toss for Bangor and elected to field for the visitors.
This proved to be a good decision on the day as Brymbo were all out for
139, with Bangor reaching their target for seven wickets as they continue their push for the title.
David Winter hit 45 runs before going out to an lbw on what was a subdued day for batsmen of both teams.
The win made it four from the last five for Bangor, who will be looking to extend their rich vein of form against St Asaph at Tŷ Newydd this Saturday.
Mochdre kept up the pressure on their fellow title challengers with a home win against strugglers Connah’s Quay.
Mochdre posted 313-4, while their visitors could only manage
157 in reply.
The result leaves things incredibly tight at the head of the table with Mochdre third, level on points with second-placed Bangor.
Like Bangor, they have been in good form of late, winning each of their last five games (including a concession from Newtown).
Captain James French won the
toss and elected to bat, and an excellent showing from the home side ensued.
Matthew Humphreys was in inspired form in his 85 not out. Gareth Goodson also put in an excellent display as he hit 75 runs from 36 balls, condemning the visitors to their 12th straight defeat.
Pwllheli faced a tough prospect in Denbigh but the home side put in a good performance as they ultimately dispatched the visitors with ease.
Chris Moore hit 89 runs after Morgan Murray-Wlliams won the toss and elected to bat, with other contributions coming from Kalim Syed (46) and Tristan Coetzee (24) as Pwllheli scored 223-9.
It was a bad day for Denbigh who only managed 111 in reply.
The Ystrad Road side have struggled recently, losing their last four games after a promising start to the season.
Tom Schrimshaw will be hoping he can get his side out of this slump as they face fellow strugglers Pontblyddyn at home this weekend.
Another loss would surely be cause for alarm for Denbigh, who will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes.
Northop secured a fourth successive victory on their trip to play Pontblyddyn at Alder Meadow.
The side are by no means title challengers this season but their recent results have given them a sure footing in the league.
Pontblyddyn, on the other hand are only a point clear of the relegation zone ahead of facing Denbigh.
Completing Saturday’s proceedings were St Asaph and Llandudno who faced off at Elwy Grove Park.
Llandudno won the toss and elected to field, and they had their hosts out for 162.
The visitors reached their target with ease for the loss of just three wickets.
It was a good bowling performance by Llandudno with four wickets for Sam Rimmington, and three apiece for Danial Evans and Tom Thornton.
In the batting stakes, Luke Kenworthy enjoyed an excellent game as he hit 102 not out, helping fire his side up to fourth place in the Premier Division.