ST ASAPH 162

LLANDUDNO 163-3

HALF-A-DOZEN ducks affected St Asaph's chances of achieving a weekend win.

In a strange scorecard, only three of the Saints' batsmen managed to reach double figures in their North Wales Cricket League Premier Division clash at home to Llandudno.

Six batsmen were dismissed without troubling the scorers, while a couple of visiting players were also out for ducks on a day when it was tough to get started.

However, bucking the trend were St Asaph's Duncan Midgley and Llandudno's Luke Kenworthy, who were the top performers on the day.

Batting first, St Asaph did enjoy a promising start to their innings.

Openers Mathew Ryan and Duncan Midgley put together a first wicket stand of 32.

This came to an end when Ryan was bowled by Jack Rimmington for 21.

This was the spark for the visitors to take control of proceedings.

Four batsmen fell for ducks in quick succession as St Asaph lost five wickets for only seven runs, leaving them vulnerable on 39-5.

Crucially, Midgley was still at the crease and together with Jason Foulkes, the duo set about repairing the damage.

They managed to compile a sixth wicket partnership of 92 to improve the home side's mood.

Foulkes struck a patient 36, while Midgley was the Saints' star performer via his knock of 91 from 116 deliveries.

Eventually, St Asaph were bowled out for 162 in the 43rd over.

Jack Rimmington (4-32), Tom Thornton (3-32) and Dan Evans (3-39) were Llandudno's stars with the ball.

The Saints came out flying after tea and they reduced their opponents to 1-2.

Doing the damage at this point of the proceedings was Jason Foulkes (2-17).

Luke Kenworthy turned out to be a steadying influence, however, and he struck 102 not out from 135 deliveries to make sure it was a successful venture for Llandudno.

The visitors would reach a winning 166-3 with more than five overs to spare.

Mathew Ryan (1-41) grabbed the remaining wicket to fall as St Asaph picked up two points.