MENAI BRIDGE 231

DENBIGH 188

A TOP-of-the-table encounter failed to go in Denbigh's favour.

It was a clash of the defending North Wales Cricket League Premier Division champions versus the early season leaders on Saturday as Menai Bridge hosted Denbigh.

A week after they ended St Asaph's unbeaten start to the campaign, the Anglesey side repeated the trick versus the Ystrad Road outfit, eventually winning by 43 runs.

It was Menai Bridge who made first use of the batting track after skipper Gethin Roberts won the toss.

The contest was in the balance when Denbigh reduced their opponents to 69-4.

Doing the damage initially with the ball were the impressive Andy Clarke (4-48) and Jack Griffiths (1-35).

However, a fine fifth wicket partnership saw Menai Bridge claim the upper hand.

Sean O'Callaghan (78) and Gethin Roberts (51) put together a 130-run stand to push the total close to the 200 mark.

In the end, Menai Bridge were dismissed for 231 in the 49th over.

Also among the wickets for Denbigh were Sam Lewis (3-46) and Stuart Griffiths (2-61).

Gerallt Lyall was Denbigh's star man after tea and the opener struck an unbeaten 69 to carry his bat.

Good middle order efforts came from Joe Clayton (25), Tom Schrimshaw (19), Jon Eccles (14) and Sam Lewis (14).

A heavy defeat looked likely when the visitors were reduced to 143-9, but Denbigh were boosted by a last wicket stand of 45, which gave them an extra two points.

This partnership was compiled by Lyall and Jack Griffiths (16), with Denbigh eventually bowled out for 188 in the 48th over.

Gethin Roberts (3-41) and Liam Bibby (2-27) were the star bowlers as Menai Bridge secured a 12-3 points win.

It's now mighty close at the top of the table.

Ahead of the weekend, Denbigh boasted a 10-point advantage over the chasing pack.

Now, just 10 points separate the top five teams.

New leaders Bangor have a two-point advantage over Denbigh with six games of the season completed.