Hawarden take full advantage to move into second

HAWARDEN Park are now second in division one of the North Wales Cricket League after they won and the games involving the top two were called off.

They had few problems seeing off the challenge of Menai Bridge seconds, themselves struggling near the foot of the table, winning by eight wickets.

It was certainly a team effort by the bowlers as four of the Hawarden Park attack took two wickets or better with Menai Bridge reaching 115 – Paul Lucas with an unbeaten 42 provided any real resistance.

Ian Martin (3-29), Campbell Marr (2-7), Mike Wootton (3-32) and Jason Biddulph (2-18) did the damage for Hawarden Park.

In reply, Mike Parton and Biddulph saw the hosts home for the loss of only two wickets as Adam Doyle top scored on 32.

Tail-ender Rob Davenport produced a nerveless innings of 44 not out to give Chirk a dramatic one-wicket victory over Gresford. Chasing 146 to win, Davenport came to the crease with his side in dire straits but a remarkable rearguard action won the game.

There was another nerve-jangling climax at Bangor where Marchwiel & Wrexham also won by one wicket after the host club’s second string had declared on 141-8 off 45 overs with Andy Williams cracking 71.

Despite a five-wicket haul for Ian Morgan, the visitors crept home by the narrowest of margins.

Pwllheli heaped more pressure on Pontblyddyn seconds with a five-wicket triumph. Pont were 130 all out in 44 overs as Dean Rehman (4-28) and Chris Small (3-22) kept the batsmen in check.

Replying, Pwllheli had few problems knocking off the runs in 26 overs with Chris Moore scoring 29 and Michael Hughes 28 not out.

Meanwhile, Buckley have taken over from Dolgellau at the top of division two following an astonishing batting collapse by Connah’s Quay seconds who were bowled out for a woeful 29! That was after Buckley had only made 109 themselves.

Buckley go top as Dolgellau’s match at Bethesda was cancelled. There were also wins for Abergele and Bersham while the other two fixtures fell to the rain. Ruthin continue to lead Denbigh seconds in division three though both of their games were cancelled.

The pacesetters in division four, Conwy seconds and Mochdre seconds, both won while in division five, Northop seconds closed the gap on leaders Pwllheli seconds to a point.