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DIVISION One leaders Denbigh were forced to settle for a share of the spoils in their eagerly anticipated local derby at home to Rhewl.

On a wet wicket visiting skipper Gareth "Billy" Morewood had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat first.

This proved to be a correct decision as Denbigh were swiftly reduced to 6-2 from three overs, losing both openers and South African professional James Hobbs second ball of the match for a duck.

A solid partnership of 62 was then formed by Stu Griffiths and Ben Wilcox-Jones.

Griffiths batting well until Rob Eccles had him caught at slip for 36, while Denbigh captain Wilcox-Jones contributed 37 to the cause.

Also in the runs for the hosts were Rob Schrimshaw (29) and Lee Mason (21).

Eccles continued the fine form that has again seen him bowl over 80 maiden overs in the season, snaring 3-25 from his 13 overs.

In conjunction with Duane Partelow and Jon Eccles also taking three wickets apiece, Denbigh were restricted to 163 all out in the 50th over of their innings.

Denbigh skipper Wilcox-Jones said: "We were pleased – we felt we had enough runs because it wasn't an easy pitch to bat on."

The Rhewl reply was constantly pegged back by the home attack.
When promising acceleration threatened the run-rate wickets fell.

Alex Gill (19), Ed Hurst (16), Chris Shone (15) all had starts and fell trying to increase the rate.

Jon Eccles batted throughout for 44 not out as the villagers finished on 120-7, earning the second draw between these two clubs this season.

Dave Scrimshaw took 4-23 for Denbigh.

After the game Rhewl skipper Morewood said: "This was a typical derby fixture, both sides sparring for an advantage and in the end, neither managing to force a victory.

"We bowled well, but our out-fielding was poor and probably allowed them 20-30 runs too many. It was always going to be difficult chasing on the wicket, but with the regular loss of batsmen just as they started to get going we could never keep up with the rate."

Denbigh have just one more game left this summer, at second-placed Llay this weekend and Wilcox-Jones added: "We have to win now, definitely. We will go there with that mentality.

"We are more than capable of winning there and it's going to be a good game.

"We are enjoying every minute of it and we are playing cricket with smiles on our faces."


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