DENBIGH 2NDS 265-2

ST ASAPH 2NDS 80-9

A STUNNING century from Jon Eccles helped to end Denbigh 2nds' excellent season on a high.

The Ystrad Road side secured a runners-up finish in Division Three of the North Wales Cricket League courtesy of a thumping 185-run home triumph over champions St Asaph 2nds.

This was only the second loss of the campaign for the Saints, with Eccles and Ifan Jones doing the bulk of the damage.

Everything went in Denbigh's favour on the day, including the fact they won the pre-match toss.

A trio of sizeable partnerships put them in a strong position by tea.

Eccles and Simon Williams put together a first wicket stand of 51, before the latter was dismissed by Amer Jamil for 28.

Next up to join Eccles at the crease was Archie Sussex, with the duo putting together a partnership of 107.

This came to an end when Sussex departed for 31.

That was the final wicket St Asaph celebrated, with Eccles and Adam El-Lamie compiling an unbroken third wicket stand of 107.

Eccles hit 21 fours and three sixes as he finished on a brilliant 158 not out.

El-Lamie struck 32 not out and Denbigh's 45 overs yielded 265-2.

Amer Jamil (1-26) and Joe Lunn (1-73) shared the wickets.

In reply, St Asaph were restricted to 80-9, with John Lloyd-Williams (24) the main scorer.

Ifan Jones was in superb form with the ball to pick up 5-22, well supported by Ian Hall (3-8) and James Thomas (1-11).