PREMIER class Denbigh can look forward to testing themselves against the top cricketing sides North Wales has to offer.
Last weekend’s four-wicket success at Northop wrapped up the North Wales Cricket League Division One title for Ben Wilcox-Jones’ charges and now they can look forward to competing in the Premier Division for the first time in their history.
On Denbigh’s achievements this season, Wilcox-Jones said: “It’s the best I have ever been involved in in my memory.
“We came third once... but this year has been a joy.”
Wilcox-Jones began his Denbigh career some 15 years ago when the side was plying its trade in Division Four, but the Ystrad Road side have become an established Division One club over the past decade.
Needing just eight points from the match at Northop to wrap up the title, Denbigh achieved the feat in some style.
Wilcox-Jones won the toss, electing to field first and the bowlers yet again stepped up to the mark to restrict the home side to 166-9 declared in 45 overs.
Harrison Jones and Will Affleck will take the main plaudits, grabbing 3-22 and 3-41 respectively, but the performances of Gethin Williams (1-19), Gerallt Lyall (1-17) and John Lee Rowlands (1-26) shouldn’t be understated as they took out three of Northop’s top-four.
Denbigh’s reply wasn’t without incident and the visitors were indebted to John Lee Rowlands’ excellent unbeaten 64 to see them through to 167-6.
Support for Rowlands came in the shape of Wilcox-Jones (28), Lyall (27), Stuart Griffiths (17) and Daniel Nixon (12 not out).
“We have got some really good cricket players and it’s been difficult getting everyone a bat,” added the Denbigh captain.
“But the team spirit is fantastic.”
As for the next step, there is some work to do if Denbigh are to join the likes of Llandudno and St Asaph at the top table of North Wales cricket.
“We have got to be accredited and we are working towards that,” said the Denbigh captain.
“I just think the distance we have won the league by and the manner of victories, we deserve to go up.”