BODEDERN 153-6
RUTHIN 151-6
(Bodedern won 7-3)
YOU could be forgiven for thinking that nine-man Ruthin were on a hiding to nothing over the weekend.
The short-handed side made the long trek to Anglesey, but they very nearly came away with a fantastic win at Division Three champions Bodedern.
Following heavy overnight rain, there was a delayed start and a reduced match of 32 overs per side.
The boundaries were brought in because of the wet ground, giving maximum value for any positive shots.
Batting first, Ruthin were indebted to captain Steve Bryan Jones, who top scored with 53.
He was well supported by Rhys Jones (22 not out), Alun Jones (15) and Dafydd Roberts (15), while the likes of Rhys Hughes (11) and John Tudor (10 not out) also made important contributions as Ruthin reached a challenging 151-6 from their 32 overs.
Barry Lander (2-22) was the home side’s chief wicket-taker.
Bodedern’s batting reply got off to a steady start, but when Matthew Duckworth bowled home captain Lander for 22, things turned in Ruthin's favour.
Mohammed Akram took two wickets in two balls, including knocking the middle stump out of the ground.
When Duckworth took a further wicket the game was finely poised, however a couple of sharp chances were put down, which would have added to the pressure.
Bodedern's main batsman proved to be Edward Gadsby, who reached 50, but he was then out to John Tudor, bowling well in his first game of the season.
There was also a wicket for Rhys Hughes as Bodedern managed to reach their target with two overs to spare.
Match ball sponsor: H T Hughes Sawmills (Caerwys).