RUTHIN 132

BETHESDA 142

JUST three boundaries stood between Ruthin and a weekend win.

Saturday witnessed a North Wales Cricket League Division One meeting between Ruthin and Bethesda.

Key to the Gwynedd side's victory was a 35-run partnership for the 10th wicket.

This was compiled by Andrew Day and John Maloney, and that was the reason Bethesda secured success by a slender 10-run margin.

Rain reduced the match to 46 overs per side and Ruthin made the decision to field first after skipper Rhys Hilditch won the toss.

Visiting opener Dewi Roberts was the star performer with the bat on the day and he struck 50.

However, Ruthin's bowlers kept the Bethesda innings in check, spearheaded by Gwyndaf Hughes' superb 4-22 return from 11 overs.

Jamie Hulse grabbed 3-39, while there were also wickets for the likes of Llyr Williams (2-38) and Josh Duckworth (1-2).

They reduced Bethesda to a perilous 107-9, but the vital stand between John Maloney and Andrew Day (34 not out) pushed the total to 142 all out.

Ruthin's response didn't get off to the best of starts and they were rapidly reduced to 9-2.

Michael Parton (24) and Josh Duckworth (14) attempted to herald a Ruthin recovery, however Bethesda remained firm favourites when the home side reached 70-5, 92-7 and 108-8.

Wil Jones was Ruthin's last chance of securing victory and he put together a crucial 20-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Jamie Hulse.

This took the total to 128-9, moving Ruthin to within 15 runs of success.

However, only a further four runs had been added to the total when Jones was dismissed for 35, leaving Ruthin 132 all out.

Leading the way with the ball were John Maloney (3-28), Ashley Rowlands (3-21) and Andrew Day (3-21).

Ruthin picked up four points, while Bethesda walked away with 11 points.