THE race for the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title is well-and-truly on!

Defending champions St Asaph have achieved something that no other team has managed this summer - to beat leaders Menai Bridge.

The Saints' four-wicket win at Elwy Grove Park has opened up the title chase and they now trail Menai Bridge by five points with five games left to play.

On a sweltering day, it was no surprise that the visitors opted to make first use of the batting track after they won the toss.

Despite decent knocks from Jack Gower (32) and Dion Holden (22), it was the hosts who held sway early on to reduced their opponents to 82 for four.

However, Robbie Jones cracked a brilliant 80 batting at number five to help push the Menai Bridge tally beyond 200.

Skipper Gethin Roberts (29) also played his part as Bridge were all out for 229 in the final over.

David North grabbed a superb 4-31 during his return to first team action, backed up by Gareth Goodson (2-27) and Danny Ryan (2-46).

Although opener Mathew Ryan departed cheaply, St Asaph's reply got off to a fine start.

Nathanael Scott (79), Jurie Norval (40) and Dan Evans (28) helped to push the total along.

A wobble did see the Saints stumble to 174 for six, however an unbroken stand of 57 for the seventh wicket secured victory.

This was compiled by Jason Foulkes (36 not out) and Danny Ryan (17 not out) as the hosts claimed a 12-3 points win.