IT'S a similar story each week for St Asaph.

They continue to chisel away at the lead held by North Wales Cricket League Premier Division frontrunners Menai Bridge and that gap is now down to just four points.

As Menai Bridge were claiming a 12-3 points success versus Mochdre, the Saints were defeating Gresford by a 14-1 margin.

All of the top order got starts as St Asaph made first use of the batting track, however a large tally looked unlikely when they were reduced to 183 for seven.

The Ryans came to the fore, though, with skipper Will and Danny (12 not out) putting together an unbroken eighth wicket stand of 70 to guide their side to 253 for seven in their 50 overs.

Will top scored with 88 not out from 80 deliveries, in an innings that included seven fours and three sixes.

Other good knocks were supplied by the likes of Dan Evans (25), Jurie Norval (25), Duncan Midgley (24), Jason Foulkes (23) and Nathanael Scott (22).

Gresford's opening bowler Chris Ellwood was in fine form to pick up 2-34 from his 10 overs, while Simon Perry (2-9) and Harry Morris (2-45) also did well.

The visitors will have been looking for a solid beginning to their response, but the Saints' bowlers soon took control.

Daniel Williams struck 24 at the top of the order, with Jason Foulkes (2-17) and Gareth Goodson (2-21) seeing Gresford on 57 for four.

Ellwood (29) and Sam Thompson (45 not out) attempted to rescue the situation, but the away side were eventually all out for 160 in the 46th over.

Danny Ryan (26) and Jack Griffiths (2-30) impressed with the ball.