Northop (171 for 6) lost to Pwllheli (172 for 1) by 9 wickets

PWLLHELI batsman Chris Moore struck an unbeaten 82 runs to steer his side to a very convincing nine-wicket win over Northop in their North Wales Premier Division match at Parc Bodegroes.

Chasing 172 to win, the hard-hitting Moore was in fine form, as he and Morgan Murray-Williams (33 not out) completed an emphatic win for the home side.

Early morning rain cleared in the afternoon and the umpires were able to start a 38 over match under brightening skies.

The visitors from Northop elected to bat first on what looked another excellent Bodegroes track, but lost the early wickets of Tom Blackwell (13), caught by Guto Roberts, and Harry Lewis (9), caught by Chris Moore, to the economical Pwllheli opening bowlers Jason Underwood and Michael Hughes to make it 22 for 2.

Syed Kaleen Aslam also had Ben Beaver caught by Michael Hughes for 16, but Northop’s Matthew Williams (34), Gareth Williams (46) and Andrew Oates (34) revived the innings with quick-fire runs.

Matthew Williams was caught and bowled by Sean Reilly, but Gareth Williams in particular struck 4 fours and two sixes before being run out, and Oates hit six boundaries, before he was caught by Underwood from the bowling of Moore.

The visitors had posted a competitive total of 171 when the 38 overs ran out.

All the five Pwllheli bowlers used grabbed a wicket and some fine catches were held, none better than Guto Roberts’s fine diving effort on the boundary.

The tea interval saw the arrival of the Northop Old Boys cycling group and their followers who were visiting all the games in North Wales over the weekend on a 300 mile charity ride. This saw a great atmosphere at the game, and much use of the Pwllheli bar, which was ably managed by a surprised Adam Williams!

Pwllheli’s reply saw openers Swapnil Kate and Chris Moore put on a composed 96 runs for the first wicket, before Kate fell for a solid 43, which featured six boundaries and some lovely off-drives.

Tom Blackwell held the catch, from the bowling of Andrew Oates, but Kate’s wicket proved to be the final one to fall.

Morgan Murray-Williams joined Moore and together they put on an unbeaten stand of 76 runs, to see Pwllheli home to an excellent victory in the 36th over.

Williams finished on 33, with 5 fours, whilst star-man Moore was unbeaten on 82, with 10 boundaries, as the winning target was reached with 14 balls to spare.

With this win, Pwllheli consolidated a top-half position in their first year back in the North Wales Premier Division.

They remain within striking distance of Llandudno for the runners-up spot, although it is looking unlikely that anyone can catch leaders Menai Bridge.

Almost half way through the season and Pwllheli captain Michael Hughes can be very pleased with his team’s performance. On Saturday Chirk visit Bodegroes.