02-05-2025
Gresford look to make it three out of three in big clash
Relegated from the Premier Division last summer, Gresford have opened their Division One tilt with back-to-back triumphs. Next up is tomorrow's home clash with last season's champions Northop Seconds. Skipper Josh Knowles said: 'It's been a good start to the season, getting two wins from two. We have managed to get a consistent squad out, which is always a positive.'
While promotion would be the main aim, Knowles is quick to stress that it's not the be all and end all this summer.
'Promotion would be great, but we want to help new players come through and get experience,' he added.
'We feel that we have a very good bowling attack that is a balance with both pace and spin.'
Looking ahead to tomorrow, Knowles, who welcomes Danny Williams and Tom Crewe back into the line-up, said: 'Northop are the reigning champions, so we are always going to be cautious. We are just looking forward to having a good game!'
Hawarden Park and Halkyn have also won both of their matches. Park host Connah's Quay, while Halkyn go to leaders Llandudno. Mold face a long trek to Bangor Seconds and Pontblyddyn welcome Brymbo Seconds.
Other fixture: Dolgellau v Mochdre 2nds.
Division Two: Abergele v Corwen; Llanrwst v Marchwiel and Wrexham; Menai Bridge 2nds v Buckley; Pwllheli v Pontblyddyn 2nds; Ruthin v Carmel & District; St Asaph 2nds v Llay.
Division Three: Bersham v Llandudno 2nds; Bethesda 2nds v Hawarden Park 2nds; Buckley 2nds v Gwersyllt Park 2nds; Caernarfon v Abergele 2nds; Denbigh 2nds v Conwy 2nds; Mold 2nds v Gresford 2nds.
Division Four: Carmel & District 2nds v Hawarden Park 3rds; Bala v Llanrwst 2nds; Connah's Quay 2nds v Dolgellau 2nds; Halkyn 2nds v Ruthin 2nds; Marchwiel and Wrexham 2nds v Pwllheli 2nds; Mynydd Isa & Maeshafn v Brymbo 3rds.
Northop Hall are looking to get their Liverpool Competition season up and running away to Norley Hall tomorrow.
Ben Slater's side opened their summer with a 24-run loss to Ainsdale and the skipper said: 'I think if we had wickets in hand, we would have gone on to win. But, unfortunately, some relatively poor shot selection let us down.'
Paul Jenkins, James Hurlin and Carwyn Johnson impressed with the ball for Hall and looking ahead to tomorrow, Slater added: 'They're a strong team. They are always up and there or thereabouts. They're a team I think will be up there.
'These are the ones that end up being double-pointers come the end of the season. I think it's key for us. Once we get that first win, I feel we will be okay.'
Matty Jones is back in the Northop Hall ranks. Hall Seconds host Bootle Seconds.
In the Shropshire League, a first triumph is also the target for Chirk.
After a five-wicket loss to Wellington Seconds, Chirk are looking forward to tomorrow's trip to Broseley.
Chirk Seconds are at home to Whittington in Division Seven.
