ST ASAPH got bogged down by Mold on Saturday, falling short in one of only two Premier League fixtures to go ahead on a rain-soaked weekend.
The Saints bowled out their opponents for a beatable 140 runs, thanks largely to solid knocks from three of the Mold batsmen. Matthew Hulse made early inroads, taking both openers for 45, while Andrew Bellis, three for 23, and skipper Paul Fleming, two for 18, put up the best numbers of the day.
Luke Robinson chipped in with the wicket of Mold dangerman Usman Butt courtesy of a Will Ryan catch, and Mathew Ryan took the final wicket in his maiden over.
He then teamed up with Huw Williams, who hit a superb 57, in a solid start to the Saints innings, hitting 19 before departing, but despite another solid stint from overseas star Grove Venter and 13 from Bellis, the St Asaph line-up failed to chase down their target, ending up 16 runs short after 47 overs.
The second team’s clash at Carmel and District fell victim to the weather, as did Abergele’s match with Gwersyllt Park.
Gele’s seconds team played their match with Marchwiel and Wrexham, losing out by nine wickets.
Paul Garnett was the only man to reach double figures as they put together just 51 runs, which the hosts bettered in the 29th over. Rajeev Metri claimed a consolation wicket for the Pentre Mawr boys.
n St Asaph travel to Denbigh this Saturday while their seconds welcome Anglesey Aluminium, and Abergele’s first and second XI’s visit Carmel and host Llandudno respectively.