DENBIGH 196-9

BANGOR 193

A THRILLING one-wicket victory over Bangor has all but assured Denbigh's North Wales Cricket League Premier Division status.

An unbeaten 34 from Stuart Griffiths and a half century from skipper Harrison Jones was just enough to see the Ystrad Road side over the line against last year’s champions on Saturday in what was must win game for the home side.

Visiting captain Robert Marshall won the toss and elected to bat first.

Bangor had their chances with most batsmen making starts, five of them scoring between 23 and 32.

But the Denbigh bowlers managed to strike just as the batsmen seemed to be getting comfortable.

David Winter was the top scorer for the reigning champs with 32, while Nadeem Rehman (29), Sion Evans (26) and Saif Ijaz (26) all chipped in as well.

The wickets were shared for the home side, with Jones, Joe Lewis and Andy Clarke all claiming two apiece, while there were also three run outs, instigated by Sam Lewis, Andy Clarke and Joe Lewis.

After tea, Harrison Jones was the anchor at the top of the Denbigh order.

He continued his good 2018 form for his side by scoring 50, before being run out by Rehman.

The middle order, similar to Bangor’s, all made starts, chipping in with scores of about 10 and 20, but none were able to get on with it.

It came down to number eight batsmen Griffiths and number 11 Craig Stubbs to guide their side home with three overs remaining.

Griffiths held his nerve to hit five boundaries in his vital 34 not out, leading Denbigh to a victorious 196-9.

Wickets were shared around for Bangor, with Chris Dawson, Gareth Edwards and Rehamn all claiming two wickets apiece.

Denbigh are now all but assured of missing out on relegation from the Premier Division having secured 11 points against Bangor.

Connah’s Quay, who are at the top of the relegation zone and just below Denbigh, suffered a 15-0 loss to top of the table Menai Bridge on Saturday, meaning Denbigh are now 42 points clear of the drop zone.

Indeed, Denbigh are now just 10 points behind eighth placed Northop.

After their loss on Saturday Bangor, currently in fifth, are in danger of sliding further down the table after Pwllheli beat St Asaph over the weekend.

Bangor are now just one point ahead of the sixth placed Pwllheli and 10 points clear of seventh placed Gresford.

There are now just four rounds remaining in the North Wales Cricket League season.