HAWARDEN PARK 81

ST ASAPH 83-1

SEVEN days after winning a last ball thriller, things were more comfortable for St Asaph in North Wales Cricket League action.

A trip to Hawarden Park was in the offing for the Saints on Saturday as they looked to remain in the mix for a potential Premier Division title push.

Being masters with both bat and ball ensured it was a successful venture for the Elwy Grove Park side and they find themselves second in the current standings, 27 points adrift of frontrunners and title favourites Menai Bridge.

Hawarden Park won the toss and they would soon be left to rue their decision to bat first.

Before the storm came the calm, with David Hughes (17) and Jamie Brailsford (10) leading the hosts to 30-1.

Then, St Asaph took an iron grip on the match, thanks to Jason Foulkes and Richard Marsh Evans.

Hawarden Park lost five wickets for only two runs as they stumbled from 41-2 to 43-7.

Foulkes grabbed a fantastic 5-28 from 12 overs and Marsh Evans took 3-19.

Mathew Ryan (1-16) was St Asaph's other wicket taker.

There were no alarms or surprises when it was the Saints' turn to take to the crease.

They required fewer than 17 overs to reach a winning 83-1, claiming a bumper 14 points in the process.

Skipper Will Ryan (36 not out) and opener Nathanael Scott (36 not out) led their side to a comfortable success.

Craig Wilson (1-23) picked up the only wicket to fall.