Llandudno seize initiative as Bridge collapse

LLANDUDNO regained top spot in the North Wales Cricket League premier division as former leaders Menai Bridge slipped up at third-placed Mochdre.

Their nine-wicket thrashing of Bangor, who were bowled out for an embarrassingly low 30, gives Llandudno a slim advantage in the title run-in.

They head Menai Bridge by just three points with as many games left this season but go toe-to-toe with Mochdre tomorrow at The Oval.

Llandudno couldn’t have wished for an easier afternoon yesterday as Bangor were simply unable to get the ball off the square – their 30 runs came in 25 overs and three balls!

Again, Gordon Kerr was the pick of the attack, claiming 5-7 in 12 overs, seven of which were maidens.

Only Bangor opener Andrew Savage reached double figures, but only just with 10, as Llandudno captain Jack Rimmington weighed in with 3-13. All of which made the visitors’ win inevitable.

One of the innings of the day came from Mochdre opener Will Jones as he carted the Menai Bridge attack around the ground for 110 off 124 deliveries, including 12 fours and three sixes.

The hosts made 201-7 declared and the reply was never likely to match that effort with Adam Campion taking 4-37 as Menai Bridge were bowled out for 153.

The only other premier division game to produce a result was at Northop where the hosts beat Llay Welfare by three wickets chasing 111 for the win.

Hawarden Park were another team who made the most of the rain hitting their closest rivals as the division one leaders thrashed Llandudno seconds and Llanrwst never got going against Gresford.

Batting first, Hawarden Park amassed 216-5 declared in 43 overs with Tom Ducker racing to 78 off only 53 balls and Jason Biddulph hitting 65 from 77 deliveries.

Ian Martin’s 5-15 did for Llandudno so Hawarden Park head Llanrwst by 19 points with three games of the season to go.

With Pontblyddyn seconds seeing their home clash with Chirk abandoned, Marchwiel & Wrexham jumped at the chance to close the gap on their relegation rivals by beating Halkyn, who declared on 119-8 batting first.

A half-century from George Forgrave put the hosts on their way to what turned out to be a reasonably comfortable five-wicket triumph.

Finally, Menai Bridge seconds cruised to a six-wicket success at home against Bangor seconds. Bangor declared on 173-8 after 45 overs, Ian Morgan scoring 83, before Cefyn Owen, with an unbeaten 49, saw the home team to victory.