RUTHIN 183-9

GWERSYLLT PARK 184-4

RUTHIN failed to make the most of a promising start as they slipped to a home weekend loss.

The openers set the ball rolling nicely during the early portion of Ruthin's North Wales Cricket League contest at home to Gwersyllt Park.

However, the visitors ended the day on top to secure a six-wicket success.

It was Gwersyllt Park captain James Collier who called correctly during the toss and his message back to the changing room was for his opening bowlers to get themselves loose and warmed up.

Not that they enjoyed any early success, though, with Dafydd Roberts and Ieuan Wynne Lewis in excellent form at the top of the order for the home side.

Roberts struck 43 before being bowled by Jack Watkins (2-26), while Lewis top scored with a fine (65).

Stephen Bryan-Jones added 38 to the tally batting at number four, but no other Ruthin batsman managed to reach double figures.

When the 45 overs were up, Ruthin had reached 183-9.

Ryan Collier (4-31) and Michael Griffiths (3-32) were the pick of the visitors' bowlers.

The Gwersyllt Park top order shone when it was their turn to bat after tea, eventually leading their side to a winning 184-4 with more than six overs to spare.

Doing the majority of the damage with the bat were George Miles (43), James Collier (38), Scott Watkins (28) and Rhys Ryder (26).

Wickets from Jamie Hulse (2-32), Matt Best (1-37) and John Coulson (1-20) ensured that Ruthin were able to pick up two points.