Mochdre and Tudno set for derby tussle
MOCHDRE and Llandudno are sure to be fired up for their first meeting of the season in the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division this Saturday (1pm).
Both teams have made a decent start to the campaign, Mochdre currently lying fourth and Tudno seventh, with just five points separating the local rivals.
Llandudno showed they are an ever-improving young side when they ended Denbigh’s four-match winning run in thrilling fashion at The Oval last weekend.
The visitors won the toss and put the Seasiders into bat, a decision which paid off early doors when West Indian Marlon Welcome-Goodman bowled Matthew Lambe for a fourthball duck.
However, Danial Evans (29) and Sam Rimmington (28) steadied the ship with a stand of 42.
Wicket-keeper Tom Bleasdale came in at 47-3 and put on a half-century with Evans, then added another 53 with Kevin James.
Bleasdale was eventually out for 55, having hit four fours and three sixes, while James went for 35 and Kim Roodt ended on 20 not out as the hosts were dismissed for 183 in 40.5 overs.
Stuart Griffiths nabbed 5-36 and Welcome-Goodman 3-28.
In response, Denbigh were reduced to 48-4 before Welcome-Goodman began to turn the tide with a cracking knock of 67 off 52 deliveries.
However, James caught the Barbadian off the bowling of Sam Rimmington, and despite an unbeaten 30 by John Lee Rowlands, the travellers were sent packing for 178.
In a fine all-round bowling effort from the home side, skipper Jack Rimmington claimed 3-36, Tom Thornton 3-37 and Roodt 2-40.
Llandudno were delighted to secure a five-run victory worth 11-4 on points.
Mochdre’s batsmen failed to build on a promising start at Pontblyddyn, a lack of runs eventually ensuring Gareth Goodson’s side finished up losers.
Choosing to bat first after calling the coin correctly, left-hander Will Evans got Mochdre off to a flier, smashing 66 off just 51 balls, slamming seven fours and four sixes.
However, no-one else was able to build a big innings, James French and Gareth Davies the next best with 33 and 22 respectively as the visitors were bowled out for 197 in 46.5 overs.
Mochdre looked a good bet for the win when they had Pont struggling on 100-5, Matthew Humphreys (2-18) and captain Goodson (2-56) doing the main damage.
However, a match-clinching combination between Brad Aldous (40 no) and 54 from 50 deliveries by Lewis Davies saw the hosts to 200-5 with plenty of overs to spare.
A sixth-wicket stand of 100 made all the difference, sealing a 12-3 points decision for the Flintshire villagers.