RUNS were at a premium as St Asaph Seconds suffered an away day North Wales Cricket League defeat.

Carmel & District maintained their Division Two promotion hopes via an astonishing victory at home to St Asaph Seconds.

There appeared no hope of a Carmel triumph after they were bowled out for only 71.

Ben Sim top scored with 23, as Mike Thompson (4-12), Robert Jackson (2-16) and Elliot Goddard (2-20) made their mark with the ball.

However, Ieuan Jones spearheaded an epic fightback as the Saints were all out for 36.

Jones finished up with a scarcely believable five for one return from his seven overs.

Amer Jamil (3-10) and Derek Johnson (2-8) also played pivotal roles.

David Lloyd (18) was the only batsman to reach double figures.