
Second half of thrilling North Wales season gets underway
Just 15 points separate the top-six teams in the division and with 18 points being awarded for victories, plenty more twists and turns are anticipated over the coming months.
Northop are one of those sides in the mix for the top honour heading into tomorrow's trip to Gwersyllt Park.
However, Jamie Griffiths, skipper of seventh-placed Park, wants a third win on the bounce for his team to put them in the conversation.
Griffiths said: 'Every game is a challenge and we will never shy away from a challenge.
'Things are picking up. We all know what the jobs are we've got to do and people have got to take responsibilities.
'It's all about improving and we're still a long way from where we want to be, but we are making strides forward.
'It's a building process and this is a big game. If we can beat them, we are in the pack.'
Northop bolstered their own lofty aims with a thrilling 13-run triumph at defending champions Mochdre last time out, inspired by a sparkling century from Jordan Evans.
'Jordan batted brilliantly and he is a class player,' said Northop captain Bart Ryan-Beswick.
'It was a good win and the lads bowled really well.'
Northop will welcome Welsh international Romano Franco back into the side tomorrow and Ryan-Beswick is anticipating a tough test.
He added: 'They are in good nick and it's never an easy place to go and play.
'We are at full strength, so we will give it a good go.'
Brymbo have placed themselves in an excellent position after winning six of their matches so far.
Dan Parry's side are in fourth position and there's a big game in store tomorrow as they play host to third-placed Mochdre.
Parry said: 'This week it's a big game. All of them now are big games.
'There are nine games to go. It will be interesting to see where everybody is and what availability's like.
'We have got some wrongs to put right against Mochdre and so have they.
'We should have beaten them at their place at the start of the season.'
Brymbo are weighing up a few changes to their line-up ahead of the match.
In another tasty encounter, leaders Bangor pay a visit to fifth-placed Menai Bridge tomorrow, while second-placed St Asaph are at home to basement side Bethesda.
In further action, Conwy are at Denbigh.
A super Sunday is lined up in the Welsh Cup. Gwersyllt Park will be hoping to avoid a shock when they make the trip to Division One Mold.
Meanwhile, an intriguing match-up is in store as Northop Hall welcome Brymbo.
'It will be a challenging game,' admitted Hall skipper Ben Slater. 'They're obviously a very, very good side.'
The other tie sees Mochdre at home to Colwyn Bay. Northop were scheduled to be at St Asaph, but this tie has been rearranged for July 6.

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