Mathew Ryan’s magnificent century proved in vain as Wales NC lost by just four runs in a Tuesday thriller at Colwyn Bay.
The St Asaph left-hander scored 114 to become the North Wales representative side’s first ton-hitter, but Cheshire’s earlier batting heroics were enough to see them through.
The visitors won the toss and batted, amassing 298-5 off 50 overs, Ned Bailey making 74, former Northop Hall star Jac Kennedy 68 not out and opener Tom Partridge 58.
For the north, Adam Campion of Colwyn Bay picked up 2-31 and there was a wicket each for debutant Joe Norman, Danny Ryan and Jack Parry.
The home reply began well with Mathew Ryan and Jack Gower (28) putting on 91 for the first wicket.
Ryan was fourth out for 114 with the hosts well placed on 209-3, his knock coming off 125 balls and including 16 fours and a six.
Campion added 48, but the north ended up just short on 294-9.
Staffordshire 122-7 (Foulkes 2-20, Grimshaw 2-35) Wales NC North 121-9 (Foulkes 33, M Ryan 23) – Staffs won by 3 wickets
Cheshire 0-0 Wales NC North 16-2 – abandoned
Staffordshire (19.3) 125-4 (Ellwood 3-18) Wales NC North 122-6 (Humphreys 43 no) – Staffs won by six wickets
Staffordshire 130-5 (Gethin Roberts 3-23) Wales NC North (19.5) 131-6 (M Ryan 37 no) – Wales won by 4 wickets
Wales NC North 244-9 (Midgley 47, W Ryan 37, Howell 33 no, Claybrook 32) Staffordshire (49.2) 248-6 (Humphreys 2-31, Foulkes 2-59) – Staffs won by 4 wickets
Cumbria 265-6 (Reilly 3-45) Wales NC North (34) 113-5 (Humphreys 35 no) – Cumbria won by 152 runs
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