Cricket: Mochdre topple leaders, Tudno go level at top

Jul 7 2011

MOCHDRE served notice that they are a team to be reckoned with in this season’s fight for honours in the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division after ending leaders Menai Bridge’s unbeaten record at the weekend.

Adam Campion’s side did not make the best of starts to the campaign but recent performances had seen a marked improvement, climaxing in Saturday’s toppling of a Menai team which had gone undefeated in their first 10 outings.

Mochdre batted first at Tyn-y-Caeau and lost two of their first three batsmen for ducks before danger man Will Evans perished for 25.

However, Campion took the reins with a fine 68 and Gareth Davies struck 26, but the best was yet to come.

Tail-enders Mark Duxbury and Australian Aaron Fishwick both made hay towards the end of the innings as Mochdre set a formidable 239-9 off 54 overs.

Duxbury smashed 50 and Fishwick finished 33 not out, while the best home bowler was Carl Thoams with 3-61.

Menai were more than capable of getting the 240 needed for victory based on previous displays, but on this day the Mochdre attack was on fine form.

Australian Nathan Shearer (61) and Luke Jones (23) put on a half-century opening partnership, but then the wheels came off for the hosts.

Alex Davies removed both openers and Bridge captain Robbie Jones for just a single, before Danny Creek (30) and Gethin Roberts (20) restored some stability in the middle order.

It was a false dawn, however, as despite 25 from number nine Scott Thomas the home side were all out for 195.

Alex Davies ended with 4-57, Fishwick 2-25 and Gareth Davies 2-30 to secure the result this Mochdre side are always capable of getting.

Next up for Campion’s heroes is a visit to third-placed Bangor this Saturday.

LLANDUDNO were more than grateful for Mochdre’s achievement as they took full advantage by moving level on points with Menai Bridge at the summit.

Tudno won by four wickets at Mold to yet again establish themselves as favourite for the title, the Seasiders having been crowned champions for the past five years.

Mold won the toss and decided to bat at Chester Road, their innings of 181-8 declared off 50 overs dominated by one man – Jamie Griffiths.

The gifted opener cracked 111 before he fell lbw to Tudno paceman Gordon Kerr.

It was Kerr who proved the star turn, grabbing 5-24 off 11 overs, while Jack Rimmington notched 2-45.

Llandudno always had the resultant run chase in hand, ending on 188-6 off 37.3 overs.

Skipper Steve Smith led the way with yet another half century, hitting 51, while Kerr completed a great match by recording 36 not out and Sam Rimmington also made 36.

Tudno visit Pontblyddyn this Saturday (1pm).