DENBIGH 160-7

ST ASAPH 159-8

VALE of Clwyd bragging rights belong to the lads from Ystrad Road.

Scorching Sunday was marked by a big North Wales Cricket League Premier Division derby clash between Denbigh and St Asaph.

The Saints were aiming to make it three wins from three matches this season, but it was Denbigh who prevailed by a three wicket margin.

Denbigh skipper Harrison Jones won the toss and he invited St Asaph to make first use of the batting track.

A solid start was provided by Duncan Midgley and Mathew Ryan, but the stand was ended when the latter was run out by Tom Schrimshaw for 15.

Midgley would continue his excellent weekend for St Asaph by top scoring with 74, while some support came from the direction of Danny Ryan (12 not out) and Alex Baker (10).

However, Denbigh were probably the happier of the two sides after they restricted their opponents to 159-8 from their 50 overs.

Skipper Harrison Jones led from the front courtesy of his fantastic 5-32 return from 10 overs.

Also among the wickets were Andy Clarke (1-15) and Joe Lewis (1-15).

Jason Foulkes began the St Asaph fightback after tea and he quickly picked up a couple of wickets.

Denbigh weren't about to collapse, though, and fine efforts from opener Gerallt Lyall (54), Tom Schrimshaw (36) and Sam Lewis (25) took them within sight og victory.

Foulkes rekindled St Asaph hopes of success by finishing up with a fine 5-34 return from 12 overs, but Denbigh managed to reach their victory target with three wickets and four balls to spare.

Alex Baker (1-33) and Danny Ryan (1-32) claimed the remaining two wickets to fall, with Denbigh taking the majority of the points in a 12-3 split.