North Wales Cricket Round Up – 18th May

Brymbo suffered a 3 wicket loss against Llanrwst to leave them bottom of the North Wales Premier League. Wrexham’s only Premier League side were asked to bat by Llanrwst skipper Nathan Jones who would’ve been delighted to see opening bowler Amlyn Layton remove Joss Roberts and Tim Newhouse with the score on 15. The Brymbo innings failed to gain any momentum, James Claybrook top scoring with 40 in a total of 101 all out. Off spinner Alwyn Williams caused most of the damage returning figures of 6 for 38 from 13.5 overs.

The run chase was never going to be easy against a spirited Brymbo pace attack. Brymbo’s overseas professional Benjamin Hilliard removing 3 of Llanrwst’s top 4 in a spell of 3-30 from his 15 overs. Promising youngsters Ben Roberts and Ali Khalid took 2 wickets apiece, but Llanrwst managed to get over the line with 3 wickets to spare in the 35th over.

Two Wrexham clubs met in Division One as Gresford traveled to top of the table Marchwiel. Gresford chose to bat first and brothers Chris and Alex Ellwood were hoping to continue their good start to the season having scored a combined 668 runs in the 4 matches previous. Alex, already with two hundreds to his name, couldn’t add to his tally as Marchwiel struck in the first over. Chris Ellwood (41) and Daniel Williams (31) rebuilt for Gresford before David Baker (36) allowed Gresford to reach 170/7 declared off 48 overs.

In reply, Marchwiel were looking strong at 72/2, before Gresford spinners John Bell (2-16) and Simon Perry (2-24) triggered a collapse. Two run outs from Gareth Bell left Marchwiel at 119-6 before Steve Swygart with 14 from 60 balls helped Marchwiel to salvage a draw. The innings closing on 145/8 off 52 overs.

Elsewhere in Division One, Llay faced a 156 mile round trip to the far west of Angelsey to face Division One newcomers Bodedern. Batting first, Bodedern declared on 173/9 from 41.3 overs. Captain Dan Parry taking his season’s tally to 7 wickets with 3-43 from 13 overs. Michael Palletta took 4-35 and Jamie Beale 2-42.

Llay, despite missing experienced batsmen in Dave Phennah and Damian Bryan, would have been confident of chasing 173 but fell short as Gareth Thomas (3-28) removed Paletta and Jamie Beale. Mike Phennah top scored with 32 before being trapped lbw by Jacob Gillam who returned figures of 3-29 to spring a shock on the 2011 Division One champions.

Chirk were also on their travels as they visited Menai Bridge 2nds. Jonathan Phillips continued his excellent start to the season with a fine 67. Nick Flack (41) and Ian Skinner (32) also contributing in a score of 226 from 52 overs. Menai Bridge were stubborn in reply, setting their sights on a draw. Phillips backing up his batting performance with 5 maidens in a spell of 1-26 off 11. Flack’s spell of 2-26 and Andrew Swarbrick with 2-20 was not enough to break the home side’s resistance who clung on for a draw at 118/6.

In Division Two Jake James was the star for Gwersyllt Park taking 3 for 8 off 5 overs ensuring a narrow 4 run victory against Bersham 1sts. Earlier Darren Jones had scored 47 in a total of 139/6 which was just enough to trump Bersham’s 135 all out thanks to James’ late heroics.

A good all round performance from Dave Phennah could not prevent a 31 run defeat for Llay 2nds against Denbigh 2nds in Division Three. Phennah took 3-31 as Denbigh posted 184 but fell one short of a half century as Llay were bowled out for 153. Also in Division 3, Gresford 2nds enjoyed a comfortable victory over Brymbo seconds. Ian Weaver posting a fine hundred for Gresford in a total of 256, Steve Griffin (56) and Chris Mullock (51*) the other contributors. Dan Griffin took 4 wickets for Gresford as Brymbo fell short in their run chase.

In Division 4, Marchwiel 2nds lost by 5 wickets against Pwllheli 2nds despite a score of 51 and 2 wickets from Chris Hemmings. In Division 5, Chrik 2nds lost to a strong Bodedern 2nds team and Gwersyllt who fielded a number of players from their under 15s team put up a spirited perfomance against Rhewl 2nds. Liam Partyn the top scorer for Gwersyllt with 26 as the park batted out their 45 overs for 117.