RUTHIN 120-8

CARMEL 118-7

IT may have been a nervy finish, but Ruthin have made a successful start to their North Wales Cricket League campaign.

Their opening Division Two contest of the season was at home to Carmel and the hosts edged to a two-wicket success to begin in the best possible fashion.

The ball proved to be mightier than the bat on the day, with only one batsman managing to reach 30.

Ruthin will have been pleased with their efforts at the halfway point, after they restricted Carmel to just 118-7 from their 45 overs.

Derek Johnson (20 not out) top scored for the Flintshire visitors, while the bulk of the damage was carried out by Llyr Williams, who finished up with a brilliant 4-17 return from his 10 overs.

The remaining wickets were shared by Harry Pooler (1-9), Matthew Duckworth (1-16) and Sion Hughes (1-30).

Despite promising top order efforts from Matthew Duckworth (30), Sion Hughes (27) and opener Dafydd Roberts, Ruthin endured some nervy moments during their reply.

Ruthin were indebted to Matthew Best (16) and skipper Rhys Hilditch Roberts (eight not out) for guiding them to a winning 120-8 with 20 deliveries to spare.

In the end, Ruthin claimed the majority of the points in an 11-4 split, placing them level on points with Marchwiel Wrexham at the head of the standings.