Cricket: Prestatyn in winning draw

Aug 20 2008 By Dave Jones

HIGHTOWN 74-7 PRESTATYN 192-9 dec

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE LIVERPOOL COMPETITION PREMIER DIVISION P’TYN WINNING DRAW 7-4

SOUTH African pace ace Mario Olivier reached 50 league wickets for Prestatyn but his team suffered the frustration of rain ruining their nailed-on victory hopes at the Porterprint Oval.

Olivier’s two for 23 put him on 51 premier division victims for the summer at an average of 19.02, however the Springbok would far rather his team have gained the win they richly deserved.

Batting first on a dreadful wicket, Prestatyn, eighth in the table before start of play with Hightown in sixth, concocted a very commendable 192 for nine declared off 54.3 overs.

Danny Thomas (24) and Gareth Boughey (16) put on 38 and steady efforts followed from Ali Taylor (46) and Haydn Williams (40), who put on a 55 stand for the fifth wicket, and Russell Walker (29 not out).

Taylor struck four sixes in his fine knock which took him over 300 league runs while Williams clattered two maximums in an innings which pushed him past the 400-run mark.

In reply Hightown were in serious trouble at 58 for six when the rain became too heavy for play to continue with 24 overs left.

Crucially, the weather break took up 20 overs which left Prestatyn with just four to take four wickets for victory on resumption. Hightown managed to survive, finishing on 74 for seven.

All the Prestatyn attack bowled well, Ben Williams scooping two for 10, Olivier two for 23, Mike Williams two for 30 and Will Owen one for 0 off four maidens, ensuring the visitors gained the better of the points 7-4.

This weekend Prestatyn have a double header which could go a long way towards ensuring their premier division safety.

On Saturday Morne Williams’ side visit third-placed New Brighton before Bank Holiday Monday brings a home clash with North Wales coast rivals Colwyn Bay, both games starting at 12pm.

PRESTATYN 2NDS (9) 209-8 dec MAGHULL 2NDS (7) 173-9

JUST one wicket separated Prestatyn from victory and a winning draw at home to Maghull on Saturday.

Asked to bat, the hosts put up 209 for eight declared off 47 overs, David Harris 58, Gareth Friday 36, Craig Walley 34 and Andrew Harris 26.

In response Maghull clung on for a draw on 173 for nine, Friday five for 57 and David Harris three for 30.

Ball sponsor: Pickwick Interiors.

BANGOR (10) 51-3 ST ASAPH (7) 138

NORTH WALES LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

DESPITE a third successive half century from skipper Richard Aram the Saints had to settle for a losing draw after rain caused an abandonment at T Newydd.

Asaph were bowled out for 138, Aram 50, Johnny de Bartolo 27 and Gareth Jones 20, while McNeil Morgan nabbed four for 38 for the hosts.

Bangor were 51 for three before the weather intervened, Matt Hulse claiming two for 20 and Dave North one for 29.

ST ASAPH 2NDS (3) 172 DOLGELLAU (7) 176-5

DIVISION TWO

PROMOTION- CHASING Dolgellau ran out winners at Elwy Park after struggling St Asaph 2nds had posted a decent total.

Andy Riley (61) and Gareth Ryan (22) put on 68 for the second wicket and Dafydd Jones added 39 as Saints made 172.

Schoolboy leg spinner Huw Alexander bowled well in Dolgellau’s reply to take three for 38, but the strong visitors reached 176 for five in 37.4 overs, Tomos Slattery (55) and Rob Humphreys (41) forming an 88 partnership for the second wicket.

Other results: Division Two – Conwy (3) 196-7 Abergele (3) 50-3 (abandoned), Carmel (3) 42-3 Northop 2nds (3) 105 (Steve Jones four for 13 – abandoned). Division Four – Conwy 2nds (0) 60 Abergele 2nds (10) 61-0. Division Five – Mynydd Isa 2nds (3) 103-2 Carmel 2nds (3) 188-7 (James Roberts 80 not out, Jon Fisher 49 – abandoned).