Frustration for Llandudno as Mold hold on

MOLD survived a dramatic batting collapse to prevent Llandudno from claiming an outright victory in the chase for the North Wales Cricket League premier division crown.

Usman Butt’s Mold side were never in with a chance of winning themselves as they poked and prodded in reply to the league leaders’ 191-9.

The match seemed to be drifting to a tepid stalemate when Mold went from 92-4 to 97-9 right at the end of their innings. Unfortunately for Llandudno that all-important last wicket wouldn’t come.

Tail-enders Chris Bolton and Jamie Ryle saw off the danger and although Llandudno claimed a winning draw, victory was so nearly theirs.

Earlier in the day, Aled Williams had smashed 65and Gordon Kerr contributed 30 in the Llandudno total which was kept in check by Cliff Wiseman’s 5-36.

Richard Crane (25) and Hugh Reckord (34) looked to have seen off the early threat of the Llandudno attack before Sam Rimmington (3-3), Jack Rimmington (2-21) and Michael Kitchen (2-18) set-up a nervy finish.

Menai Bridge were grateful for Mold’s rearguard action as a three-wicket triumph for them at Denbigh reduced Llandudno’s lead.

Batting first, Denbigh posted 179-9 thanks to knocks of 44 and 49 not out from Harrison Jones and John Rowlands respectively. Gerallt Roberts starred with the ball, taking 4-35.

Denbigh were certainly in with a sniff as they reduced their rivals to 77-5 but a stand of 90 between Gethin Roberts, who finished undefeated on 72, and Nathen Goodright (29) saved the day for Menai Bridge.

Mochdre overcame rain delays to beat Connah’s Quay by five wickets. Replying to Quay’s 171-7, of which Darren Jones made 60, Will Evans (44) and Adam Campion (43) set the home side on the way to a reasonably comfortable win.

The bottom-of-the-table clash between Llay Welfare and Bangor never really got going due to the wet weather. However, Llay had been reduced to 95-6 when the match was abandoned.

A useful 62 from middle order batsman Andrew Bellis gave St Asaph’s innings the boost it needed as he and Richard Aram put on 99 for the seventh wicket against Brymbo.

In the end, St Asaph were all out for 201 but they couldn’t take all ten of Brymbo’s wickets so had to settle for a winning draw. Last, and by no means least, the batting performance of the day came from Pontblyddyn captain Glenn Chambers during his team’s reply to Northop’s 198-7.

Chambers stroked the ball to all parts for an unbeaten 127, to go with 3-37 with the ball, as Pontblyddyn won by eight wickets.