ST ASAPH maintained their perfect start to the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division season with a 24-run home win over Brymbo.

The Saints held their nerve in the closing stages to secure a notable triumph at Elwy Grove Park, and the second-placed side go in search of three wins in succession this Saturday when they make the trip to title rivals Brymbo.

The home side got off to a good start in the middle until Duncan Midgley was caught and bowled by Daniel Williams for 16, with overseas star Nathanael Scott clean bowled by Chris Ellwood soon after on four.

Brother duo Will and Mathew Ryan proved to be a far sterner proposition to remove, with the former making 37 before he was skittled by Simon Perry.

Mathew Ryan also fared extremely well with some impressive shots on his way to 41when he was bamboozled by an Ellwood delivery.

Their supporting cast did not have the same impact on the contest, with Dan Williams (4), David Lloyd (0), Jason Foulkes (1) all failing to aid the scoreboard, but a valuable 32 from Danny Ryan ensured the hosts set a total of 159 all out from 44 overs at the crease.

Ellwood was the pick of the visiting bowlers, securing figures of 5-48, with Perry finishing a superb 11 over spell on 3-26.

The outstanding Foulkes wasted no time in making his presence with the new ball by disposing of openers Matthew Thompson (1) and Sam Thompson (6), with Liam Moores also getting in on the act early on with the scalps of Ellwood (4) and Gareth Bell (10).

The away resistance came from Matthew Cree, who smashed six boundaries on his way to a stubborn 66 off 215 balls, but he was sent back to the pavilion by a Danny Ryan strike at a critical stage in the contest.

Ryan also took out Daniel Williams (32) and Craig Morse (2) to finish on 3-28, with Foulkes helping himself to a pair of lower order wickets to end the day with 4-18 as the visitors made 135 all out in reply.