ST ASAPH 159

GRESFORD 135

NEVER throw in the towel.

That was the tale from the weekend from the perspective of St Asaph.

North Wales Cricket League Premier Division visitors Gresford looked to be on the cusp of victory when they required 45 runs with six wickets remaining.

However, the super Saints concluded the contest on the front foot and they bagged these six wickets for only 20 runs to remain unbeaten this season.

After winning the toss, it was St Asaph who made first use of the Elwy Grove Park batting track.

The highlight during the early portion of the afternoon proved to be a 70-run stand for the third wicket compiled by Mathew Ryan (41) and William Ryan (37).

With Duncan Midgley making 16 and Danny Ryan adding a crucial knock of 32 batting at number eight, the Saints were eventually bowled out for 159 in the 45th over.

Chris Ellwood (5-48) was Gresford's star performer with the ball.

Matthew Cree (66) and Daniel Williams (32) were the main contributors when Gresford reached 115-4 in reply.

However, victory wasn't in the offing for the visitors, who collapsed towards the end of their innings.

This was thanks to the efforts of Jason Foulkes (4-18), Danny Ryan (3-28), Liam Moores (2-26) and Mathew Ryan (1-36) to make sure Gresford were bowled out for 135.

St Asaph would claim the majority of the points in an 11-4 result.