Weekend Cricket previews: North Wales League and Liverpool Competition
North Wales Cricket League Premier Division
Bangor v Northop
With five games apiece remaining Bangor are well-placed with a 14 point lead at the Premier Division summit.
On Saturday, Gareth Edwards’ men look to edge a step nearer to the title with a home win over Northop, but the Flintshire side are likely to prove tricky opponents.
Citizens skipper Edwards said: “Matty Haswell is unavailable this week but we welcome back regular keeper Robbie Marshall so maintain a strong line up.
“Northop gave us a really tough game in the away fixture so I’m expecting another hard game. They bat long in their order and have variety in their bowling. A good size crowd is expected so an entertaining match is hopefully in store.”
Gresford v Mochdre
Second-place Mochdre will be going all out for maximum points at Clappers Lane to keep the pressure on Bangor.
“Gresford away is always a tough game, but we have a good side and we are looking forward to the challenge,” said Mochdre captain Matty Humphreys.
Mochdre team: Gareth Goodson, Stewart Williams, Matthew Humphreys (c), Alex Davies, James French-WK, Gareth Davies, Sam Davies , Mike Humphreys, Sean Reilly, Russ Boswell, Kyle Brown.
Brymbo v Pontblyddyn
Two teams in the bottom three meet in cricket’s equivalent of a football six-pointer.
Pont skipper Glenn Chambers said: “We are looking forward to a really good game of cricket against a decent Brymbo side. Both teams haven’t had the best of fortunes so far and both teams will be looking to turn a corner. We have a full side and we are ready and up for the challenge.”
Aled Roberts comes in for Mark Neath, while Jon Byrd replaces Ed Jones, both absentees missing due to work commitments.
Pontblyddyn team: Glenn Chambers, Ben Mason, Ali Roberts, Gethin Thomas, Dave Foulkes, Jon Byrd, James Griffiths, Chris Moss, James Hughes, Rhys Jones, Aled Roberts.
Llandudno v Pwllheli
Fourth-place Llandudno will be out to avenge a 32-run defeat at Pwllheli back in June.
Menai Bridge v Connah’s Quay
Champions Menai Bridge, 22 points behind leaders Bangor, will be big favourites to see off a Quay side still seeking their first victory of the season and looking doomed to relegation.
St Asaph v Denbigh
A Saints side in need of a win will take on fifth-place Denbigh, who comfortably beat their local rivals by six wickets at Ystrad Road back in June.
Asaph skipper Will Ryan said: “It’s always good to play in a local derby, something I know the lads look forward to – especially at home. I feel confident going into this weekend that we can really turn things around and get a really good win.”
Liverpool and District Competition
1st XI ECB Premier League
Ormskirk v Colwyn Bay
With skipper Sion Morris away, Adam Campion leads Colwyn Bay for this crucial battle at high-flying Ormskirk.
However, before departing, Morris said: “Challenges don’t come much tougher than this weekend with Ormskirk away whom I believe to be one of the best club teams in the country.
“Not many teams have approximately four bowlers who let it go at 80 mph so the challenge will be a tough one for our boys. But they’ll go there as underdogs and hope to spring a surprise.
“We’ve all been frustrated with the rain over the past fortnight so we’re just hoping that we can get out and play some decent cricket.”
1st XI First Division
Highfield v Northop Hall
After last week’s disappointing home loss to Birkenhead Park, the Hall will target better at fourth-place Highfield.
As always the form of Bangladesh Test player Enamul Haque Jr, 55 league wickets and 280 runs this season for the Flintshire side, will be vital.
1st XI First Division
Prestatyn v Sefton Park
Prestatyn are unchanged for the home clash with Sefton Park at Beach Close.
Skipper David Harris said: “Unfortunately we were rained off again last week for the fifth time this year which is a shame. I’m sure the weather could play a part this week too.
“Hopefully we continue playing as well as we have done the last three to four games and put in a good performance.”