DEFENDING champions St Asaph have started their North Wales Cricket League Premier Division campaign with a victory.

However, it wasn't straight-forward as the Saints eventually saw off visitors Brymbo by 28 runs at Elwy Grove Park.

A large total looked unlikely when St Asaph were reduced to 0-2, but Nathanael Scott's brilliant knock of 112 not out eventually led the hosts to 275-7 from their 50 overs.

Duncan Midgley added 56 to the cause and Gareth Goodson struck a vital 60 from just 33 deliveries.

Mohamed Nilam Jayman (3-42) and Joseph Norman (2-58) were the pick of the Brymbo attack.

The visitors looked well set for victory when they reached 180-3 during their reply.

Leading the charge was Mohamed Nilam Jayman's knock of 116, but back came the Saints to bowl their opponents out for 247 in the penultimate over.

Jason Foulkes (3-32), Mathew Ryan (2-31), Jack Griffiths (2-59) and Liam Moores (2-52) helped to make sure St Asaph claimed 12 points from their success.