ST ASAPH were on the wrong end of a six-wicket reverse in their derby day clash at Denbigh.

The city side were unable to recover from a disappointing batting display at their North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title rivals, leaving them in fifth position and 22 points behind pacesetters Bangor ahead of their home clash with in-form newly promoted Mochdre on Saturday

Things got off to the worst possible start for the visitors when Nathanael Scott was clean bowled by Andy Clarke for a duck early on, with Mathew and skipper Will Ryan making promising starts before they were ousted `for 21 and 19 by Jack Griffiths and Rob Schrimshaw respectively.

Home skipper Harrison Jones also got in on the act with the quick-fire wickets of Jason Foulkes (0) and Alex Baker (0), with the all-rounder also running out David Lloyd for ten to further enhance his overall impact in the field.

Danny Ryan fared much better at the crease and top scored with 39 before he was dismissed by Schrimshaw, and Sam Lewis took a pair of wickets late on in the form of Richard Aram (5) and Liam Moores (1) as the visitors were all out for 129 from 46 overs.

The impressive Foulkes made a good start with the new ball by despatching Thomas for a duck, with Danny Ryan claiming the scalps of Gerallt Lyall (18), Jones (29) and Joe Clayton (34) to end the day with figures of 3-40 from a 12-over spell.

That was as good as it got for the Saints, with Lewis demonstrating his class with the bat to finish the innings unbeaten on 35 as they reached their required target for the loss of four wickets after 39 overs in the middle.

There was better fortune for the St Asaph’s second unit, who secured a 13-run home success over Denbigh 2nds.