MENAI BRIDGE 224-4

DENBIGH 223-7

A SPARKLING ton from skipper Harrison Jones was the highlight for Denbigh during their toughest trip of the season.

Jones was in terrific form with the bat as the Ystrad Road side paid a weekend visit to unbeaten North Wales Cricket League Premier Division leaders Menai Bridge.

The home side also had a century maker in their ranks in the shape of Jack Gower and his knock was enough to hand Menai Bridge an eighth triumph of the campaign.

Jones took the bat first option after he called correctly during the pre-match toss.

This turned out to be a sound decision as the title favourites soon found themselves under pressure.

Openers Gerallt Lyall and Harrison Jones put together a hugely impressive first wicket stand of 131.

Lyall made 37, while Jones hit 14 fours and four sixes in his knock of 104.

Further good work from Sam Lewis (32) and Tom Schrimshaw (30) ensured that Denbigh's 50 overs yielded a competitive 223-7.

Dion Holden (3-50) was the pick of the Menai Bridge attack.

While it was mainly a day of batsmen, Denbigh claimed an early wicket after tea to strengthen their hopes of taking a notable victory.

Menai Bridge lost their first wicket with just 11 runs on the board when opener Luke Jones was bowled by Andy Clarke (1-31).

Jack Gower and captain Dion Holden went about steadying the home ship and the duo compiled a second wicket partnership of 72.

This eventually came to an end when Holden was bowled by Alec Lewis (1-29) for 33.

However, that was to be Denbigh's only bright spot for a considerable spell and a large third wicket stand pushed Menai Bridge close to victory.

Gower (106) and Arwel Thomas (52) added 135 for the third wicket, moving the hosts within less than 10 runs of success.

Both were eventually out with 218 on the scoreboard, with Harrison Jones (1-33) bowling Gower, while Thomas was dismissed by Stuart Griffiths (1-64).

Menai Bridge were able to reach a winning 224-4 in the 46th over, which was enough to hand them a 13-2 points success.