ST ASAPH threw a spanner in the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title race with an emphatic ten-wicket victory at Mochdre.

The Saints ended a disappointing run of results with a standout performance against the championship hopefuls, with the result significantly hampering their chances of securing the crown.

Will Ryan’s side all-but secured their top-flight status as a result of their success, which will give them plenty of confidence heading into their home clash with basement dwellers Connah’s Quay on Saturday.

Things began well in the middle for the hosts thanks to an opening stand of 81 from Stewart Williams and Gareth Goodson, but both were ousted from the crease by Danny Ryan for 33 and 48 respectively that proved to be the start of an unbelievable collapse.

Ryan helped himself to the wickets of Alex Davies (0) and Kyle Brown (0) throughout the remainder of the innings to finish the day on 4-40 from a ten-over spell, and brother Mathew Ryan was in ruthless mood to further aid his side’s chances of success.

In just four overs, he managed to send Gareth Davies (4), Sam Davies (4), Sean Reilly (0) and Riss Boswell back to the pavilion to finish on 4-6, and David North took the prized wickets of skipper Matty Humphreys and James French during a crucial stage of the game, leaving the home side skittled for 109 from 31 overs.

As expected, the visitors made light work of their required target thanks to a standout partnership from opening duo Mathew Ryan and Duncan Midgley.

Ryan transitioned his good form in the field to the crease to finish not out on 32, and Midgley demonstrated his abundant qualities to end the innings unbeaten on 62.

The result leaves St Asaph in ninth position ahead of a very winnable game against a Quay side that have failed to secure success so far this season.