North clubs hoping for calm after the storm

North Wales Cricket League Saturday preview

LAST weekend’s devastating storms wiped out a large portion of matches in the North Wales Cricket League – and the forecast doesn’t look clever for tomorrow either.

Only two games in the premier division survived last Saturday so the likes of leaders Llandudno, whose match was called off, will be hoping for a change this time around.

They are due to visit third-placed Mochdre as Menai Bridge, who have had five games either cancelled or abandoned, go to Bangor with the aim of keeping up the pressure on Llandudno.

Brymbo’s win over Connah’s Quay, coupled with St Asaph’s defeat by Mold, saw them close the gap on the sides above them. Tomorrow, Brymbo entertain Llay Welfare and St Asaph make the trip to Denbigh.

Last year’s champions Connah’s Quay are away to Northop and Mold host Pontblyddyn.

In division one, it’s a top-of-the-table clash as Llandudno 2nds try to reduce Llanrwst’s 21-point lead with free-scoring Hawarden Park waiting in the wings should the two cancel each other out.

They are away at Gresford while Chirk, fresh from a commanding 150-run success against Pontblyddyn 2nds, go to Marchwiel & Wrexham, Conwy host Bangor 2nds, Menai Bridge play Pwllheli and Pontblyddyn meet Halkyn.

The pick of the matches in division two is in the bottom half of the table where Brymbo 2nds in last could climb away from the relegation zone if they can overcome Gwersyllt Park, the side two places and two points above them.

There are also of intriguing fixtures in divisions three, four and five, including Shotton 2nds, the club right at the bottom of the whole league system, travelling to Tata Steel Maeshafn, second in the fifth tier.

Prestatyn host Mochdre on Sunday in the only all-North Wales tie in the third round of the Gwalia Welsh Cup scheduled for this weekend while there are also two league fixtures on the same day.