DENBIGH 143-3

HAWARDEN PARK 139

SKIPPER Harrison Jones led from the front during a successful Saturday for Denbigh.

Jones was in excellent form with both bat and ball as the Ystrad Road outfit managed to defeat visitors Hawarden Park to record their second North Wales Cricket League Premier Division triumph of the summer so far.

There was no joy for Denbigh's opening bowlers Andy Clarke and Jack Griffiths as Hawarden Park made a promising start to their innings.

James Rowlands (36) and Craig Wilson (21) ensured that the visiting side got off to a decent enough start.

The tide began to turn once Denbigh rotated their bowlers.

Alec Lewis accounted for the wicket of Wilson and he gave little away, finishing up with a hugely economical 1-12 from his 12 overs, which included no fewer than eight maidens.

In addition, there were six maidens for Joe Lewis, who ended up with a 2-23 return from his 12 overs.

Ultimately, the bulk of the wickets would be shared by Harrison Jones and Sam Lewis.

Jones took the wicket of top scorer James Rowlands on his way to claiming a fantastic 4-10 from eight overs.

Lewis sent down just five overs, but he was still able to secure 3-21 as Hawarden Park were bowled out for 139 off the final delivery of their 50 overs.

One disappointing aspect for Denbigh was the amount of extras they gave away and the hosts conceded a mammoth 50 extras.

In contrast, the Hawarden Park bowlers would ship only 16 extras during their spell in the field.

There were few concerns when Denbigh took to the crease and the top order clicked to make sure of the victory.

Setting the ball rolling in fine fashion were opened Gerallt Lyall and Andy Thomas, who contributed 25 and 43 respectively to the chase.

Number three Harrison Jones continued the good work his his unbeaten knock of 25, while further decent efforts from Sam Lewis (20) and Tom Schrimshaw (14 not out) ensured that Denbigh reached their victory target for the loss of only three wickets and with more than 14 overs to spare.

Tom Norris was the pick of the Hawarden Park bowling attack, claiming 2-46 from his 12 overs, while the remaining wicket to fall went the way of Ian Martin (1-30).