Cricket

Leeds and Mills lead Dolgellau

St. Asaph Seconds (133) lost to
Dolgellau (134 for 3) by 7 wickets

DOLGELLAU made notched their fifth successive win with a seven-wicket success at St Asaph Seconds in the North Wales League division two last weekend.
Visiting captain Robert Humphreys won the toss and opted to put St. Asaph in to bat on a fairly damp strip, and they totalled 133 all out in the 40th over the match, having been reduced to 43 overs per side.
Dolgellau then measured their response well, reaching 134 for 3 in 36.2 overs to claim a good victory on their travels.
Dolgellau’s bowling tormentor-in-chief was spinner Gethin Edwards, who picked up 5 wickets for 37 from his 12 overs.
Home openers Andrew Riley made 19 and Matt Ryan 25, with Riley being out lbw to Edwards and Ryan caught behind by Humphreys, off a Phil Leeds delivery.
St Asaph’s main aggressor was number four John Winning, who hit a huge straight six into the adjoining cattle market, as well as 4 fours, before he was halted on 43, bowled by Edwards to make it 109 for 5.
Prior to his dismissal, Colin Fleming was caught in the slips by Sean Brennan and skipper Adam El-Lamie was bowled, both being victims of Edwards’ bowling.
The last five wickets only managed to add another 24 runs, with Edwards completing his nap hand of five wickets by having Luke Robinson caught by Jack Williams. Greg Smithies also got amongst the wickets by taking 3 for 29, having Jimmy Vaughan caught by Leeds, bowling Danny Ryan and then getting the last wicket to fall, that of Kieran Lucas who made 22 with 3 fours, when caught by Edwards.
Sean Brennan also claimed a wicket, bowling Alex Baker, taking 1 for 25 from his 8 overs. Leeds bowled 12 overs, taking 1 for 34, and Smithies’ three wickets came from his 7.5 overs. However, the most successful bowler was Edwards, who finished with 5 for 37 from 12 overs with 2 maidens as St Asaph were bowled out for 133.
When it was Dolgellau’s turn to bat they were given a good start by Jonathan Mills and Phil Leeds who put 59 on the board before they were parted, their sixth opening partnership of over 50 this season.
Mills’ 30 proved to be Dolgellau’s top score, striking 2 boundaries until he was caught by El-Lamie off the bowling of Vaughan. Eight runs later, it became 67 for 2 when Leeds gave El-Lamie his second catch this time Lucas being the bowler.Leeds contributed 23, with 2 boundaries.
There followed another good partnership between Gethin Edwards and Robert Humphreys to take their side to the verge of victory. Their alliance was worth 58 until Humphreys was bowled by Robinson for 21 with 3 fours. Smithies stayed with Edwards to add the 9 runs they needed for a win, with Edwards finishing on 27 not out, which included 3 fours, to make it a good all round match for him, as his team earned victory with 9.4 overs to spare.
Vaughan took 1 for 14 for the hosts, Robinson 1 for 16 and Lucas 1 for 21 as Dolgellau took 8 points and St Asaph 2 points.

Pictured: Joanathan Mills and Phil Leeds put on 59 for Dolgellau, their sixth over 50 partnership this year. Pic: Rod Davies.