GRESFORD 212-7

DENBIGH 213-2

CHASING in excess of 200 for a weekend victory?

That proved to be no bother at all for Denbigh during their latest North Wales Cricket League Premier Division contest.

Faced with having to get 213 to make it a successful venture at Gresford, the Ystrad Road side achieved the feat in some style to pick up a bumper 14-1 points triumph.

Denbigh skipper Harrison Jones opted to take the bowl first option after he won the toss.

Initially, this appeared to be a sound decision as Andy Clarke soon trapped home opener Matthew Thompson leg before without troubling the scorers.

However, Gresford soon managed to recover and there were plenty of runs picked up by the remaining members of the top order.

Taking the main plaudits was Matthew Cree, who cracked a hugely impressive knock of 105 batting at number three.

Captain Chris Ellwood (41) was also in good form with the bat, while further decent efforts from Chris Mullock (18) and Sam Thompson (15) helped Gresford to reach a competitive 212-7 by the time their 50 overs had been completed.

Andy Clarke (2-22) and Harrison Jones (2-22) were the chief wicket grabbers, while there was also joy for Jack Griffiths (1-36) and Sam Lewis (1-46).

And, after shipping 50 extras the previous weekend, Denbigh will have been pleased to have only conceded 16 on this occasion.

There were few trials and tribulations when it came to Denbigh's response after tea.

They needed just four batsmen to reach their large victory target, which they reached with a well-timed 13 deliveries to spare.

Opener Gerallt Lyall was in terrific form and he batted throughout the innings, eventually finishing up unbeaten on 92.

Harrison Jones struck 61, before he was run out, while Sam Lewis added 28 not out as the visitors reached 213-2.

James Williams (1-38) claimed the remaining wicket to fall.