RUTHIN 204-8

MYNYDD ISA 200

A CRACKING chase marked the weekend North Wales Cricket League action for Ruthin.

Faced with having to score in excess of 200 to grab their third Division Two triumph of the campaign, Ruthin achieved this feat to remain in the promotion places.

Mynydd Isa travelled to Memorial Park Fields still seeking their first victory of the summer and they elected to bat first after skipper Matty Blunden won the pre-match toss.

There was some early joy for the home side, with both of Mynydd Isa's openers departing cheaply.

Matt Best (1-36) and Matthew Duckworth accounted for these wickets, before a number of excellent knocks saw the pendulum swing.

Carl Jutson (81), Phil Bradfield (55) and Danny Sprake (31) ensured that Ruthin toiled in the field.

The crucial wicket of Jutson was claimed by Sandeep Anantharaman (1-40), while Duckworth bagged the wicket of Bradfield, on his way to a 3-34 return from 7.4 overs.

In the end, Mynydd Isa were dismissed for exactly 200 in the 41st over, with the remaining wickets going to Dafydd Roberts (1-3) and Llyr Williams (1-37).

A couple of early wickets meant that Ruthin's response didn't get off to the best of starts after tea.

Opener Rhodri Edwards (26) and Wil Jones (15) steadied the ship somewhat, while number five batsman Sion Hughes struck 49.

Key to Ruthin's eventual success was an unbeaten knock of 76 from number six batsman Duncan Roberts.

With Josh Duckworth contributing 10 to the chase, Ruthin reached a winning 204-8 with nine balls to spare.