CRICKET: Brymbo’s winless start to the North Wales League Premier Division continues after they suffered a 95-run reverse at Connah’s Quay on Saturday.

Dafydd Rhys’ side were always going to be up against it after the Quay, led by captain fantastic Martin Burger (124no), cracked 231-4dec. Only the excellent Joss Roberts (83) then showed resistance as Brymbo were bowled out for 136.

High-flying Chirk had their match rained off at Bethesda, who had declared on 153-7.

Marchwiel & Wrexham slipped 24 points behind early Division One leaders Llay Welfare after bad weather meant they had to settle for a losing draw at St Asaph.

David Ward (3-34) and Darren Bettis (3-41) ensured the Saints could get no further than 161-8dec before a heavy downpour cut second-placed Marchwiel short on 110-3, with George Forgrave (36no) and Andrew Glover (21no) well placed after good work from opener Michael Forgrave (31).

Llay had a walkover after visitors Llangollen conceded the derby clash.

Gresford were beaten by eight wickets at Llandudno 2nds, who cruised to 150-2 after snaffling the Clappers Lane outfit up for 149, a total that would have been worse had it not been for opener John Bell (54).

A brilliant knock from Simon Brooman swept Division Three table toppers Castell Alun to a 14-run success at Hawarden Park 2nds.

Brooman’s unbeaten 90 hauled Alun up to 170-3 before Hawarden were halted on 156.

Marchwiel & Wrexham 2nds tasted their first defeat of the season in a rain-effected game against Pontblyddyn 2nds, who put on 161-2 before seeing their hosts, led by David Jones (40no), get as far as 123-5.

Gwersyllt Park were eight-wicket winners at home to Llanrwst 2nds, who set 104-8 before Park powered to 105-2.

Brymbo 3rds lost by two wickets to Buckley, who just reached 121-8 (Wayne Smith 4-26, Russell Penrhyn-Jones 2-24, Robert Ward 2-30) having dismissed their visitors for 120 (Penrhyn-Jones 39no, Charlie Croasdale 24).

Gresford 2nds maintained their flying start to Division Five with a 115-run home romp over Dolgellau 2nds.

The Gwynedd outfit were ripped apart for 72 (Ross Willetts 5-19) after Gresford posted 187-5 thanks to Ian Weaver’s 84no and 46 from Fakhre Ali.

Bersham 2nds got off the mark with a five-wicket win at Pwllheli 2nds, who made 103-8 (Jerry Wellans 2-12, Steve Kreczman 2-18, Bryan Walker 2-26) before Bersham replied with 104-5 (John Mann 26, Daniel Williams 24).

Every other match involving Wrexham teams were washed out with a ball being bowled.

Mini marvels miss out

RUGBY UNION: Wrexham Under 9s acquitted themselves well over four games against stiff opposition at the Llandudno Mini Rugby Tournament – but just missed out on a passage into the finals by one try on a countback.

Despite performing well in their opening contest against Nant Conwy, Wrexham fell to a 4-0 defeat having been unable to break down a solid defence.

Their second outing was a fiercely-fought affair against Pwllheli with some tough tackling, which ended in a 1-1 draw with Rhys Pomeroy claiming Wrexham’s try.

Two touchdowns from Pomeroy and a Sam Rogers effort then gave the future Bryn Estyn Road stars a deserved 3-1 victory over Denbigh.

Stepping up a gear in their final match, Wrexham defeated Ruthin by 2-0 with tries from Rogers and man-of-the-tournament William Mills. However, they needed a couple more scores to progress beyond their pool.

Robbins leads the way

RUNNING: Mike Robbins led Wrexham Athletic Club’s charge at the Christleton 5k.

He was the second-fastest M45 in 30th (16.34) and was followed by clubmates: 101 Emma Parry (20.02 – second-fastest L35), 105 Phil Walker (20.03 – third-fastest M60), 139 Bob Frost (21.23).

Daniel Weston was the first Wrexham racer past the post in the Muller 10k in Market Drayton in ninth (34.15).

He was followed by: 30 Andy Norgrove (36.32), 74 David Rogers (39.14), 77 Chris Evans (39.26), 218 Frost (44.30 – second-fastest M60).