DENBIGH have come through their toughest fortnight of the North Wales Cricket League season with flying colours.

Seven days after defeating fellow title challengers Hawarden Park, unbeaten leaders Denbigh defeated second-placed Halkyn in another key encounter.

This victory - the 10th of a perfect season to date - not sees Denbigh 31 points clear at the head of the standings and well set to make a swift return to the Premier Division.

Denbigh captain Tom Schrimshaw called correctly at the pre-match toss and he opted to make first use of the batting track at Ystrad Road.

What a cracking decision this turned out to be!

Openers Gerallt Lyall and Sam Lewis put together a partnership of 175 to immediately have Denbigh in the box seat.

Lyall struck 78 from 112 deliveries before he was the first batsman to depart.

Lewis continued on his merry way to make a brilliant 100 from 119 balls.

Archie Sussex (22) and Harrison Jones (15) made the most of this terrific start as Denbigh were able to set an imposing 158 for six from their 45 overs.

Halkyn were faced with a tall order when it was their turn to bat, with Andrew Watkin (49), Jamie Griffiths (44) and Alex North (20) in decent form with the blade.

The visitors needed one of these to go forward and grab a century, but they were dismissed at pivotal moments as Denbigh remained ahead of the curve.

Despite a late unbeaten knock of 16 from James Beresford, Halkyn's innings was halted on 199 in the final over.

Darren Nixon claimed the bowling plaudits via his 3-39 return, backed up by Ifan Jones (2-22), Harrison Jones (2-32) and Alec Lewis (1-32).