BRYMBO 154

DENBIGH 215-8

A TON-DERFUL effort from Andy Clarke played its part during a weekend triumph for Denbigh.

The Ystrad Road outfit paid a visit to Brymbo on Saturday for their latest contest in the Premier Division of the North Wales Cricket League.

It was a fantastic day for Clarke, who hit his maiden century as Denbigh eased to a 61-run margin of victory on the day.

This was a vital effort from the all-rounder after Denbigh endured a tough start to their innings.

Daniel Parry (2-66) and Mohamed Nilam Jayman (1-28) were smiling early on as Brymbo managed to reduce their visitors to a perilous 27-3.

Clarke came to the crease at this point and he attempted to rebuild the innings alongside skipper Harrison Jones.

However, there was further joy for Brymbo when Jones was dismissed by Wayne Smith (1-27) for 23.

The home side appeared to be favourites for victory when Denbigh then stumbled to 74-5 when Daniel Nixon was out for 10.

Crucially, Clarke was still there and he gained a terrific ally in the shape of Joe Clayton.

The duo proceeded to drag Denbigh back into the contest via a crucial sixth wicket stand of 67.

Clayton struck 41 from just 40 deliveries before he was unfortunately run out.

A couple more wickets fell and the match remained in the balance with the visitors on 167-8.

However, things edged into Denbigh's favour courtesy of an unbroken 48-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

Andy Clarke was still there at the end, hitting a brilliant 111 not out from 100 deliveries.

His innings included 10 fours and three sixes.

Number 10 batsman Alec Lewis made an important nine not out and Denbigh's 50 overs yielded 215-8.

After tea, Brymbo enjoyed a bright beginning to their reply.

Captain James Claybrook (51) and Mohamed Nilam Jayman (31) were in good form to help the hosts to reach 82-1.

The turning point came when Harrison Jones trapped Claybrook leg before and Brymbo went on to lose their last eight wickets for only 38 runs.

Spinner Jones was the star of the show with the ball and he finished up with a fantastic 5-18 return from his nine overs.

Andy Clarke completed a fine all-round showing by claiming 2-29 from 10 overs, while 2-29 was also the return for Alec Lewis.

The remaining wicket went the way of Gethin Williams (1-13) as Denbigh bagged a 13-2 points triumph.