Northop defeat neighbours Hall to qualify for Welsh Cup quarter-final

WELSH CUP NORTH ZONE 1 FINAL

Northop 186-8 (40) Northop Hall 178-7 (40)

Despite a fantastic 91 from 16-year-old opener Evan Withe, Northop Hall were unable to prevent neighbours Northop progressing to the national quarter-finals of the Welsh Cricket Cup.

Liverpool Competition side Hall won the toss and put their hosts from the North Wales League Premier Division into bat.

Struggling on 122-8, an unbroken ninth wicket partnership of 64 between Charlie Collins, 41 not out off as many balls, and Matthew Williams (20 no) helped Northop set a far more challenging 186-8 off 40 overs.

Earlier, Andrew Oates had posted 36 and opener Leo Grieg 31.

Carwyn Johnson took 3-26 off eight overs and Matthew Edwards 2-41 for the visitors.

While Cheshire county star Withe was at the crease, Hall looked to have victory in the bag, but when he departed for 91 off 103 deliveries, bowled by batting hero Collins, the away side were 142-4 and up against it.

Johnson was run out for 27 and the Smithy Lane side finished on 178-7, nine runs short of their victory target.

Oates scooped 2-27 for Northop, who now travel to Newport in the quarter-finals.

CRICKET WELSH CUP NATIONAL QUARTER-FINALS (to be played July 17)

Colwyn Bay v Llandysul or Pontarddulais (playing July 10)
Newport v Northop
Port Talbot Town v Cardiff
Swansea v Cowbridge