GRESFORD 156-6

DENBIGH 155

DENBIGH failed to build on a promising start as their promising season drew to a close.

It has been a terrific campaign in the Premier Division of the North Wales Cricket League for the side from Ystrad Road, but they were second best during their weekend trip to Gresford.

It was the home side who won the toss and they opted to spend the first half of the contest in the field.

Initially, this didn't appear to be the best of decisions as Denbigh made the most of a sizeable opening stand.

Gerallt Lyall and Harrison Jones put together a first wicket partnership of 57, which came to an end when the latter was dismissed by John Ball for 18.

Gerallt Lyall would top score with 45 before he was the third batsman out with the tally on 81.

Despite the best efforts of Andy Clarke (30) and Stuart Griffiths (10), Denbigh were left struggling on 111-7.

Alec Lewis (10 not out), Andy Thomas and Jack Griffiths did supply some lower order runs to help the visitors to make 155 all out from 48 overs.

Sharing the wickets for Gresford were John Bell (3-20), Cam Evans (2-31), Chris Ellwood (2-34) and Simon Perry (1-23).

After tea, a number of decent efforts played their part to help Gresford to secure a four-wicket margin of victory.

Setting the ball rolling were Daniel Williams (20) and Alex Ellwood (21), who put together a first wicket stand of 42.

There was a glimmer of hope for Denbigh when the hosts were reduced to 52-2, however Gresford then benefited from a 54-run partnership for the third wicket to place themselves back in the box seat.

This stand was put together by Chris Ellwood (29) and Matthew Cree (31), with the partnership drawing to a close when Ellwood was run out by Andy Thomas.

Decent efforts from Matthew Thompson (21) and Sam Thompson (15 not out) helped Gresford to eventually reach a winning 156-6 from 47 overs.

Alec Lewis (2-30) and Andy Clarke (2-35) did the bulk of the damage with the ball, with the remaining wicket going the way of Stuart Griffiths (1-27).

When the dust had settled, Denbigh walked away with three points, with 12 points going the way of Gresford.