Jones grabs Denbigh ton but it's Saints who claim victory

There was a thrilling Sunday showdown between St Asaph and Denbigh in the Premier Division of the North Wales Cricket League.

The contest would go the distance, with the Saints just coming out on top by five runs to maintain their lofty position in the standings.

On the back of this outcome, St Asaph are third in the table, just two points adrift of frontrunners Brymbo.

In their first season after promotion, Denbigh find themselves in sixth position.

It was St Asaph who opted to make first use of the batting track after they won the toss.

This turned out to be a sound decision, as Mathew Ryan (14) and Dan Evans (45) compiled an opening stand of 59.

While no batsman went on to make a half-century, there were plenty of crucial efforts.

Nathanael Scott struck 36 batting at number three, with skipper Will Ryan contributing 48.

Further good efforts arrived from the likes of Ajaypal Singh (32), Rohit Kaimal (15) and Duncan Midgley (16) as the Saints' 50 overs yielded 234 for seven.

Denbigh's bowlers stuck to their task and the attack was spearheaded by Harrison Jones, who finished up with a 3-59 return from his 10 overs.

There was also a wicket apiece for Sam Lewis, Kieran Gilly, Joe Lewis and Keiran Lucas.

While Jones was the main performer with the ball, he was also Denbigh's star batsman on the day.

Opening the innings, Jones struck a brilliant 120 from 148 deliveries.

This was required, as Denbigh were quickly reduced to 10 for two during the early portion of their innings.

However, a mammoth partnership then saw Denbigh in the box seat.

Jones was joined at the crease by number four batsman Archie Sussex and the pair compiled a third wicket stand of 194.

Sussex contributed a fine 68, however Dan Evans sparked a mighty fightback from the Saints.

He claimed four for 25 as Denbigh gradually began to lose wickets and with Danny Ryan claiming three for 45, the visitors ended up short on 229 all out off the final delivery of their innings.