A SUPERB display in the field played its part in maintaining St Asaph's unbeaten start to the North Wales Cricket League season.

It's now three wins out of three for the Saints, who triumphed by 62 runs in their Premier Division top-of-the-table meeting with Northop.

Both sides went into the encounter boasting undefeated records and it was St Asaph who opted to make first use of the batting track after they won the toss.

There was a tricky start as openers Mathew Ryan and Dan Evans departed cheaply and St Asaph looked to be set for a difficult afternoon when they were reduced to 62 for five.

However, a key 102-run stand for the sixth wicket between the in-form Nathanael Scott and Jason Foulkes saved the day.

Scott, once again, would be the chief scorer for the Saints via his knock of 88 from 131 deliveries, while Foulkes, who has been called up for the Wales T20 squad, made 38.

READ: St Asaph continue excellent start to Premier League defence

Danny Ryan (11) and Duncan Midgley (10) were the only other two batsmen into double figures as St Asaph's innings realised 207 all out in the 48th over.

Mark Poynton was impressive with the ball for Northop, finishing with 5-47 in his nine overs, with Matthew Williams (2-25) and Andy Poynton (2-33) also catching the eye.

Northop's response got off to a solid start, with openers James Roberts (24) and Matthew Williams putting together a stand of 40 for the first wicket.

The Flintshire side looked to be favourites for the victory when they reached 90 for three, however the dismissal of Jordan Evans for 27 swung things back the way of St Asaph.

Despite the best efforts of skipper Richie Walker (42), Northop regularly lost wickets after this and they were left floundering on 122 for seven.

Walker's would be the penultimate wicket to fall and St Asaph's fightback was confirmed when their opponents were all out for 145 in the 45th over.

Jason Foulkes snapped up 3-26 in 10 overs, while Gareth Goodson gave very little away in claiming 2-6 from his 10 overs.

Jack Griffiths secured a 3-27 return.