RUTHIN 2NDS 152-5

RHEWL 151-2

DERBY day honours belonged to Ruthin 2nds over the weekend, but they were made to work hard for their North Wales Cricket League East Division success by seven-man Rhewl.

The villagers decided to bat first on a lovely afternoon, with openers George Lebeau and Billy Morewood starting in solid fashion.

They went past 50 without much concern, despite some good Ruthin bowling.

Eventually, Lebeau was the first batsman to depart for 33 when he was well caught by wicketkeeper Tom Davies off the bowling of John Clayton (1-33).

Morewood went on to make 71, hitting three big sixes along the way, before he was caught off a delivery from Ieuan Lewis (1-14).

Huw Lewis Jones kept the run rate going with a useful 25 not out as Rhewl's 40 overs yielded a competitive 151-2.

Ruthin tried seven different bowlers during the early portion of the afternoon.

After tea, Ruthin lost an early wicket during their chase, with Clayton being bowled by Lewis Jones.

Alun Jones and Ieuan Lewis made a handy 50 partnership before the former was caught for 20.

Rhewl continued to chip away and they took wickets at regular intervals.

However, Ieuan Lewis held things together with a sensible 59 not out as Ruthin reached a winning 152-5 with nine overs to spare, making it two wins in the space of two weeks for the town team.

Matchball sponsor: Birch House Business Centre, Hen Lon Parcwr, Ruthin.