A REMARKABLE partnership from Will Ryan and Duncan Midgley steered St Asaph to a convincing 256-run home victory over Connah’s Quay.

The opening duo were in exceptional form throughout their time in the middle, producing a scintillating stand of 355 that lasted the entirety of their allotted 50 overs at the crease.

This ensured they picked up back-to-back wins with minimal fuss against the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division basement dwellers, and they will look to continue their strong end to the campaign during a home tie with Pwllheli at Elwy Grove Park on Saturday.

Saints’ skipper Ryan and Midgley wasted no time in making a significant impact on proceedings with the bat, with the former producing a knock of genuine quality to finish the day unbeaten on 173 from just 172 deliveries.

This feat was almost matched by the equally impressive Midgley, who was also a constant presence throughout the innings and hit no fewer than 17 boundaries on his way to 152 not out from 136 balls.

The partnership is one of the biggest in the club’s history and put them firmly in command of the contest, and a fine display with they got off to a promising start with the ball thanks to David North and Alex Baker, who removed openers David Fox and Quay captain Martin Burger for 20 and 29 respectively.

Baker was in tremendous form with the new ball and added Rhys Stout (0), Thomas Hooson (13), Rob Downey (8) and Scott Adams (9) on his way to a five-wicket haul at the expense of 41 runs from a 12-over spell.

The evergreen North took his tally to 2-49 with the wicket of Joshua Clarke for a duck, and Danny Ryan aided his side’s cause late on with the lower order scalps of Daniel Graham (7) and Ryan Cutler (0) for a brace that came for the loss of four runs.