Llandudno Back to Top of North Wales Premier League

Posted by: Daniel Rhodes in MyBlog

Tagged in: Tudno Sport

Daniel Rhodes

Admittedly, it's taken some time. First, a dismal early run of results, then, the fallout of the Facebook scandal. But finally, Llandudno's 1st XI returned to the top spot of the North Wales Premier Division since lifting the trophy as last season's champions. Their local derby tie against Twenty20 cup winners and Welsh Cup quarter finalists Mochdre sounded as if it would be a close run thing on paper - Tudno needn't have worried. Taking the opening bat at the Oval, the hosts owed much to Kevin James (46), acting captain Aled Williams (45) and Elgan Williams (44) on the scoresheet. On the delivery front, Mochdre's Russ Boswell took out most of the lower order with a brace - Owen Jones (4), Sam Rimmington (15) and Chris Hardy (10) - while Gareth Davies was slower to considerably slower towards sending the skipper and Keegan Nagan (22) back to the clubhouse.
Boswell's 3-26 was about as good as it got for Mochdre. Set the target of 209-8 (from 58 overs), Nagan set to work bowling out Adam Campion, Joe Chaplin and Gareth Davies for ducks. Only Ross Stevens could manage two runs for the visitors while the South African all rounder was featuring. Gareth Goodson also went for a duck thanks to Sam Rimmington. Jack Rimmington bowled out the rest of the order with Owen James helping to catch Gareth Coleman (2) and Russ Boswell (duck). Phil Dickson putting in the best batting performance with 28 but no excuse for a pitiful Mochdre score of 78 all out after 34.1 overs. Certainly no excuse for Llandudno to not breathe a sigh of relief that their championship defence is back on track.

Meanwhile, Llay Welfare continue to top the First Division despite a scare by Llandudno 2nds. The hosts were 157 all out after 34 overs (John Parry claiming 80 runs with Dave Phennah on a half century) - returning bowler Ajay Dhawan leading a sensational batting collapse with Parry's departure on 130-2. Dhawan picking up five wickets for 14 off eight overs with Phil Williams on four for 42 off thirteen. Despite high hopes, quick ducks for Luke Regan and Matthew Lambe were followed by two wickets within six balls from Dave Phennah (Chris Randall and Alex Owen the victims). Ajay Dhawan held out on 36 from Phil Bray's delivery but a final score of 98 all out left Tudno with just the four points to take from what at one point was being marked as a potenital upset.

No good news for the 3rd XI in Division Five either. After being set the target from Pwllheli 2nds of 115-8 off 45 overs, Tudno were all out with a mere seven runs still needed. Worthy mention though goes to Neil Gallagher for taking five wickets for 12 and the best batting performance of the day with 39 runs. Pwllheli's Ceiri Rowlands hit 36 at the bat and claimed five wickets for 25.

The development division match between friendly sides from Tudno and Marchwiel & Wrexham was cancelled.

The other results from the North Wales Premier League:
- Bangor: 161 all out (55.1 overs), Connah's Quay: 151-6 (54 overs) - Bangor won draw 6/4
- Pontblyddyn: 124 all out (48.2 overs), Brymbo: 125-9 (59.2 overs) - Brymbo win by a wicket
- Mold: 220-6 declared (50 overs), Chirk 146 all out (44.1 overs) - Mold win by 74 runs
- Hawarden Park: 250-6 declared (50 overs), Menai Bridge: 253-8 (56.2 overs) - Menai Bridge win by two wickets
- Bethesda: 32 all out (23 overs), Llanwrst 35-1 (5.5 overs - Llanwrst win by nine wickets

Another Premiership home tie for the 1st XI next Saturday, this time against Bangor. The 2nd XI travel to Gresford in Division One and the development side welcome Buckley.