ST ASAPH kept pace with North Wales Cricket League Premier Division leaders Menai Bridge with a 99-run home success over Gresford.

A superb century from recent signing Duncan Midgley and a brilliant knock from skipper Will Ryan were the catalysts behind their triumph, and the Saints are 16 points behind the title favourites ahead of their trip to Northop on Saturday.

Despite losing opener Mathew Ryan and in-form overseas star Nathanael Scott early on when they were removed by Chris Ellwood for seven and 21, a sensational stand of 186 between Will Ryan and Midgley put them back on track and in the ascendancy.

Former Mochdre standout Midgley was in sublime form and smashed no fewer than 17 boundaries before he was caught off a Sam Thompson delivery after scoring 114.

He was ably assisted at the other end by Ryan, who continued his exceptional start to the campaign with a stylish 80, but he was clean bowled by Thompson as he went in search of his second century of the campaign.

Jason Foulkes (14*) and Paul Fleming (11) were the only other home batsmen to make it into double figures as they ended their allotted 50 overs on an impressive 276-6.

The visiting run chase got off to a disastrous start when Midgley ran out opener Matthew Thompson for four, while Foulkes wasted no time in making an impact with the ball thanks to the wickets of Matthew Cree 93) and Ellwood (11).

Things got event better when David North despatched Thompson after the all-rounder made a promising 22, and the same bowler was on hand to take out Chris Mullock for a duck on his way to figures of 2-31.

Daniel Williams and Gareth Bell provided some resistance, but they were ousted from the crease bt Fleming and Danny Ryan respectively during a crucial stage of the contest as the away side mustered just 177 all out in reply.