North Wales sport’s greatest stories of 2024 – Sept: Colwyn Bay CC win league title on dramatic final day

Colwyn Bay Cricket Club once more emerged as the pride of North Wales as they were crowned league champions in September.

The Penrhyn Avenue club clinched the Liverpool and District Competition First Division title from old rivals Bootle on a dramatic final day.

It was the second time the Bay had topped this division, following their 2015 success, and secured themselves elevation to the ECB Premier League for 2025.

Needing just two points to clinch promotion back to the Prem, Bay picked up the maximum 25 in thrashing Orrell Red Triangle at Penrhyn Avenue on September 21 to overhaul previous table-toppers Bootle, who could only draw at home to Liverpool.

Acting skipper and wicket-keeper and skipper Will Evans cracked a brilliant 96 off just 64 balls, including 18 fours and a six, as the hosts set 226-6 declared off 41.1 overs.

Sion Morris added 51, putting on 151 for the third wicket alongside Evans.

In reply, Orrell were dismissed for 120, with Dulanjala Mendis passing the 80 league wickets mark for the season by taking 4-43 off 17. Paul Jenkins pocketed 3-48 and Jack Parry 2-22.

Bay landed the points 25-4 and claimed a well-deserved league title after recording 15 wins in 22 matches.

Colwyn finished in first place on 360 points from 22 matches, with Bootle runners-up on 346.

LEADING RUN SCORERS (1st XI league matches)

Will Evans 567
Sion Morris 532
Zack Gidlow 460

LEADING WICKET TAKERS (1st XI league matches)

Dulanjala Mendis 83
Paul Jenkins 35
Jack Parry 35

COLWYN BAY CC 1ST XI MAIN HONOURS

Liverpool and District Cricket Competition First Division Winners: 2015, 2024
Welsh Cup Winners: 2015, 2023
ECB Premier League Runners Up: 2006
First Division Runners up : 2005, 2022
Ray Digman Trophy Finalists: 2007, 2015, 2016
Welsh Cup Finalists: 2017