Cricket: Can Connah’s Quay go one better and break their duck this weekend?

North Wales Cricket League Premier Division previews

Connah’s Quay v Northop

Connah’s Quay came so close to a first win of the season when losing to Pontblyddyn by just one wicket last weekend.

Can the Deesiders go one better against a very useful Northop side?

Quay skipper Martin Burger said: “The season for CQCC has definitely been a roller coaster, last Saturday proving one for us getting exceptionally close to our first win in a nail-biting finish against Pontblyddyn.

“We have worked hard this season, and again… It only takes one game!

“Another local derby awaits us this weekend against Northop. They have proven themselves as worthy contenders in the Premier League over the last couple of years, going from strength to strength.

“We are expecting a very tough battle, but one we feel confident to turn our season. It will be great to get that first victory at home.”

Gresford v Bangor

Brothers Sohaib and Subhan Khan will feature for leaders Bangor at Gresford.

Citizens skipper Gareth Edwards said: “We look forward to our trip to Gresford on Saturday and offer two season debuts this week to brothers Sohaib and Subhan Khan.

“Subhan’s bowling offers a new dimension for the team and he has taken plenty of wickets in the seconds in the last 18 months.

“We arrive on the back of a spectacular win last week so confidence among our batting group should be high. We will have to maintain our high standards if we are to continue our winning streak.”

Llandudno v Menai Bridge

A great battle is expected at The Oval where in-form Tudno host champions Bridge.

Menai will be out for revenge, having lost at home to Jack Rimmington’s side earlier this season. The Anglesey team will also be anxious to bounce back following last weekend’s loss to table-toppers and close neighbours Bangor.

Mochdre v Denbigh

Third place Mochdre will look to put last weekend’s disappointments behind them when they welcome Denbigh to Black Marsh Fields.

After eight straight league wins, Matty Humphreys’ men were beaten at home by Pwllheli last Saturday and then lost to Swansea in the Welsh Cup quarter-finals the following day.

Pwllheli v Pontblyddyn

Pwllheli will be on a major high after ending Mochdre’s long winning run last weekend.

However, Morgan Murray-Williams’ side will be aware of the fact they owe Pontblyddyn a beating after losing to them earlier this campaign.

“Having won 4 of the last 5, confidence is high around the squad,” said Murray-Williams.

“We lost in Pontblyddyn, so they’ll come to Parc Bodegroes with the confidence that they can do it again. But we’re confident we can add to our run of good form and results.”

St Asaph v Brymbo

Despite their position near the basement, Brymbo have been producing some encouraging displays of late, and skipper James Claybrook wants to see that continue at St Asaph.

“We’ve put in three extremely encouraging performances against the top 3 teams in the league, picking up maximum losing points in each and have been unlucky not to pick up a win or two,” said Claybrook.

“St Asaph are on a bit of a bad run at the minute so if we carry on playing the cricket we are, we’re confident of producing an upset and dragging them into the mix.”