VALE of Clwyd bragging rights belonged to the side from Elwy Grove Park.

During the penultimate weekend of the North Wales Cricket League season, St Asaph Seconds played host to Ruthin in a Division Two encounter.

Ruthin were looking for victory to effectively secure their Division Two status for next season, however it was the Saints who came out on top by a 56-run margin.

With one match left to play, St Asaph find themselves seventh in the standings and there's still a chance they could finish the season in the top-six.

Ruthin called correctly during the pre-match toss and the message back to the changing room was for the opening bowlers to get themselves limbered up.

There was an early wicket for Osian Roberts (3-44), but St Asaph soon put themselves in the box seat.

A 129-run partnership for the second wicket was put together by Roger Cloete (81) and captain Ben Murphy (52), which gave the Saints the platform to go beyond the 200-mark.

With Dominic Haynes (19), Liam Moores (12) and Russell Moore (10 not out) all reaching double figures, they managed this, with the 40 overs yielding 211 for nine.

Matthew Duckworth picked up 3-44 for Ruthin, while Oliver Jones bagged 1-27.

There was positive news for Ruthin as they batted out their overs during the second portion of the afternoon.

They never seriously threatened to secure victory, though, and the innings ended on 155 for seven.

Leading the response were Jac Evans (45), captain Jamie Hughes (33 not out), Matthew Duckworth (23) and Josh Duckworth (13).

Mike Thompson was St Asaph's main bowler with figures of 3-28, while there was a wicket apiece for Elliot Goddard, Liam Moores, Roger Cloete and Timothy Cloete.

Ruthin are still in danger of suffering relegation from Division Two.

As things stand, they are two points clear of the drop zone ahead of this Saturday's crucial match at Hawarden Park Seconds.