BETHESDA 2NDS 69-4

RUTHIN 2NDS 68

THERE was no opening day win for Ruthin 2nds to celebrate.

To begin their North Wales Cricket League Division Four season, the Memorial Park Fields side were handed a trip to Bethesda 2nds.

In the end, it was the Gwynedd outfit who were the happier of the two teams as they recorded a six-wicket margin of success.

Ruthin won the toss and they opted to make first use of the batting track.

This didn't appear to be the best of decisions as they lost a wicket without a run being scored.

James Evans and Ieuan Wynne Lewis then set about improving Ruthin's mood and they put together a 23-run stand for the second wicket.

This came to a halt when Lewis was dismissed and this sparked a spell that saw Ruthin los five wickets for just 18 runs.

Opener Evans struck 30 for the visitors before he became the fifth batsman out.

A mini recovery was spearheaded by Jamie Hughes and Gethin Roberts, who put together a 24-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

However, once Hughes departed for 19, the end came quickly.

Ruthin lost the last four wickets for only three runs and they were eventually dismissed for 68 in the 35th over.

Doing the bulk of the damage with the ball were John Maloney (3-9) and Andrew Day (3-13).

Bethesda's response didn't get off to the best of beginnings and Josh Duckworth grabbed a wicket to reduce the home side to 5-1.

Although Ruthin did end up taking wickets at regular intervals, Nathan Goodright's knock of 36 was key as Bethesda reached a winning 69-4 in the 23rd over.

James Evans completed a good all-round showing by claiming figures of 2-17, while the other wickets went to Josh Duckworth (1-11) and Rhys Hilditch (1-26).

Bethesda picked up 13 points, while Ruthin travelled home with two points.