CHIRK slipped to second in the North Wales League Division One on Saturday on an afternoon when only 11 of the scheduled 35 matches reached a conclusion.

One that did survive the late rain was Chirk’s big derby at Llay Welfare, who stretched their unbeaten run to seven by skittling the previous pacesetters for 69 (Kris Salisbury 3-11, Damien Bryan 2-10) and then firing 70-4 (Mike Phennah 25, Jamie Beale 25).

Northop replaced Chirk at the summit with a nine-wicket whitewash of mid-table Gresford, who were ripped apart for 40 before the home side cruised to 44-1.

Llangollen, thanks to an unbeaten century from captain Tom King (124no) and a sterling effort from Brian Williams (78), declared on 268-3 and were seemingly on their way to victory at struggling neighbours Brymbo 2nds only for the weather to curtail proceedings.

Premier Division title challengers Brymbo suffered an abandonment at Hawarden Park, who were going well at 100-2 in response to 176-9 (Stewart Williams 38, James Claybrook 31, Sam Hayes 24no).

Bersham’s lead at the top of Division Two was cut to six points after their showdown with Halkyn failed to finish.

Nigel Woodfine (3-11) and Danny Struthers (3-35) helped reduce the visitors to 132 before Bersham got as far as 31-1.

Brymbo 3rds’ Division Three woes continued as they were hammered at Anglesey Aluminium.

The new table toppers snaffled Brymbo up for just 34 and then eased to 36-1.

Paul Winfield took a hat-trick and skipper David Lloyd produced a sparkling innings for Castell Alun in their home clash with Llanrwst 2nds, who were bowled out for 193 (Philip Lloyd 4-48, Winfield 3-21) before the heavens opened with the Alun on 126-4 (Lloyd 86 from 97 balls).

Marchwiel & Wrexham never got the chance to bat at home to Bala, who had posted 173-7 (Tommy Bellis 2-27, Josh Davies 2-30).

Gwersyllt Park were robbed of the opportunity of making it five Division Four wins on the spin as their home game with Bodedern came to an end with the lowly away team on 107-8 (Phil Huckridge 3-27, Steve Connors 2-13).

Gresford 2nds made it six Division Five triumphs on the trot with an 18-run home victory over Northop 3rds.

Ross Roberts (37), Steve Griffin (23) and Arthur Thomas (21) starred with the bat as the Clappers Lane high flyers put on 168 before Northop were stopped short on 150.

Leaders Llay Welfare 2nds were 31-0 in reply to hosts Chirk 2nds’ 81-8 when the downpours began.

Castell Alun 2nds maintained their Division Six promotion push with a 19-run success at Ruthin 2nds.

Jason Lloyd (3-31) and Tom Davies (2-11) were the pick of the bowlers as Ruthin were polished off for 102 before Andy Wright (42) and John Hughes (32) saw the Alun to 121-3.

Llangollen’s home meeting with Menai Bridge 2nds closed with the Anglesey outfit having set 154-5 (John Gammon 2-34).