BALA 111
RUTHIN 105
(Bala won 6-4)
USUALLY 111 is a particularly unlucky score in the sport of cricket.
That wasn’t the case for Bala, though, as they enjoyed a derby day success to give their Division Three survival hopes a major shot in the arm.
As far as Ruthin were concerned, the result means that they failed to build on their recent good performances and hopes of promotion to Division Two now look to be at an end.
After winning the toss, Ruthin asked Bala to bat on a very damp wicket after heavy rain during the week.
Rhodri Edwards was the mainstay for Bala as he reached 34, while Owen Hughes, Shay Tudor and Dafydd Roberts plugged away for Ruthin, each getting a wicket apiece.
The introduction of first change bowler Llyr Williams turned the game dramatically in Ruthin's favour.
Williams only bowled 10 overs, but these yielded a magnificent 7-12.
Three of Williams’ victims were caught behind by wicketkeeper Gwern Llwyd Owain.
Bala were bowled out for Nelson - or 111 - with the only downside for Ruthin being the 25 extras they conceded, which would prove crucial in the end.
Ruthin started their reply confidently with skipper Steve Bryan Jones hitting two boundaries.
Two wickets then fell quickly but Joe Lewis steadied things as Ruthin looked on top despite some accurate bowling from Bala.
The game turned again as Bryan Jones went for 19 and Lewis for 12.
Ruthin's middle and lower order all failed and they were facing a heavy defeat until Owen Hughes was joined by last man Jamie Hulse with the score on 60-9.
Hughes and Hulse battled away and they managed to bring up the 100.
An unlikely victory seemed possible until the last wicket fell with Ruthin on 105.
Hughes finished on a superb 38 not out, with Hulse showing glimpses of old with the bat.
For Bala Keith Crump was magnificent as he took 4-15 from 12 overs, while the experienced Gwyndaf Hughes gave little away yet again in claiming 3-16.