Cricket: Two wins prepare Rhewl for derby

Aug 27 2008 By Dave Jones

RHEWL (24) 101-3 LLANGOLLEN (2) 100 GRESFORD (2) 170-7 RHEWL (24) 171-5 NORTH WALES LEAGUE DIVISION ONE

TWO convincing wins over the bank holiday weekend set Rhewl up nicely for this Saturday’s Vale of Clwyd derby against top of the table Denbigh.

On Monday at Ruthin School, visitors Llangollen decided to bat first on a wet wicket and struggled to 100 all out in the 36th over, Rob Eccles claiming four for 28 from 13 and Chris Campbell three for 33.

In reply, Rhewl reached the 101 needed for victory with only three wickets down. Alex Gill (27 not out) and Jon Eccles (28 no) saw the Vale side home with more than 20 overs to spare.

"We now have a realistic opportunity of finishing a very creditable fifth in the division table and considering it is only our second season at this level, we as a club should be proud of the team and how it has performed," said delighted Rhewl skipper Gareth Morewood.

Saturday brought another comfortable success on a wet afternoon in Gresford.

After winning the toss for the first time since the second game of the season, visiting skipper Morewood had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat first.

Gresford crawled to 100 for six from 45 overs and decided to bat on as the wicket dried out.

Campbell (four for 44) and Rob Eccles held the innings in check until a late onslaught saw the hosts post a solid total of 170 from the maximum 52 overs.

In reply, Rhewl made it to 171 for five with four overs to spare, Campbell 37, Chris Shone 30 and Alex Gill 24 before Si Williams joined Will Jones with 50 needed off the final 10.

Jones ended 13 not out and Williams unbeaten on 38, including three sixes, as Rhewl reached their target with comparative ease.