ST ASAPH fought off relegation after taking newly crowned league champions Connah’s Quay all the way in their weekend fixture.
The Saints, who spent much of the season in the Premier League drop zone, stayed up by six points after a battling performance on Saturday, capping a superb end of season run that delighted captain David North.
“We’re thrilled, we wanted to try to get as many points from the game as possible, and as it turned out we probably deserved to win it,” he said.
“We went something like seven games without being beaten and the lads have shown great spirit, particularly in the second half of the season.
“There were times where we would be turned over for 120 or 130 runs, but we havn’t had that in the last few games. Everyone’s pulled together and realised the desperateness of the situation.”
Quay eventually wrapped up their first league title in the 59th over, chasing down a declared total of 201 set by the Saints.
Opener Richard Aram top scored with 66, backed up by useful knocks from David North (35), Rob Hooper (32) and Gareth Jones (25) as St Asaph declared on 201 for eight in the 50th over.
A fantastic display from St Asaph’s bowlers then saw early wickets tumbling, with captain North and Andrew Bellis both taking a pair of top order batsmen.
Paul Fleming also finished the afternoon with a brace, including that of opener Darren Jones who made much of the early scoring with 34.
A seventh wicket partnership worth more than 100 runs swung the tie in Quay’s favour, as they finally landed the title in the 59th over for seven losses, with Gareth Jones claiming the remaining wicket.
THE SAINTS Second String also beat the drop by seven points, after winning their final game of the season against Wrexham and Marchwiel.
Dave Lee took four wickets as Wrexham were bowled out for 138, with Keiran Lucas and Huw Alexander also taking two wickets each.
An unbeaten 55 from opener Andrew Riley then steered the seconds towards victory, teaming up with Will Riley, who scored 35, to hit the winning runs.