MARCHWIEL AND WREXHAM are making a strong case for their swift return to Division One.

After suffering relegation last summer, the side has enjoyed a positive star to their Division Two campaign and a 29-run triumph at St Asaph Seconds saw Marchwiel move to the top of the standings.

Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors slumped to two for two, however Ashok Kumar (48) and skipper Sam Shoemark (24) helped the recovery to 135 all out.

David North finished with 5-26 for St Asaph, whose response was halted on 106 (Roger Cloete 40). Gareth Evans (5-23) was Marchwiel’s star bowler.

Gresford Seconds got the better of Pontblyddyn Seconds by 18 runs in a close contest.

Mattt Daulby’s knock of 23 was the leading score in Gresford’s 117 all out. Gareth Jones bagged 5-15 for Pontblyddyn, whose response finished up short on 99 (Dave Evans 33).

Corwen were pipped by 13 runs in their home meeting with Mochdre Seconds, who accumulated 156 all out (James Gilman 43, Steff Lloyd 3-24, Simon Harrison 3-26).

Rob Storey struck 35 in Corwen’s 143 for nine (Adam Jones 3-33).

Elsewhere, Menai Bridge Seconds secured a five-wicket win over Bangor Seconds.

Buckley Seconds eased to a seven-wicket success during their Division Three trip to Connah’s Quay Seconds.

Cole Hooson (59) and George Cottrell (47) helped Quay to establish 145 for four from their 40 overs.

Buckley got to 146 for three with more than three overs to spare, thanks to Sam Evans (57 not out) and Harrison Speed (31 not out).

Leaders Ruthin made sure of a three-wicket win in their Vale of Clwyd derby at Denbigh Seconds, while Conwy Seconds eased to an eight-wicket triumph in their home clash versus Caernarfon.

Ian Morgan’s unbeaten 69 was the main effort in Caernarfon’s 134 for five (Callum Davies 2-11) and Conwy eased to 136 for two in response, with David Wilkinson finishing on 55 not out.

Elsewhere, Pwllheli got the better of Bethesda Seconds by 76 runs.

Mirroring their first team, Marchwiel and Wrexham Seconds find themselves in the Division Four promotion places.

A third win of the campaign arrived with a six-wicket verdict versus Mynydd Isa & Maeshafn, who were restricted to 140 for eight. Sivaraman Seramanperuman (30) was the top scorer as Paul Baines snaffled 3-27.

Mike Lee unbeaten 76 from 56 deliveries led Marchwiel and Wrexham to a winning 141 for four.

Sujeesh Vazhadan grabbed a four for 13 return as Bersham Seconds defeated Llandudno Seconds by 26 runs, while Carmel & District Seconds lost out by 19 runs at Abergele Seconds.

Skipper Chris Hobby struck 32 in Abergele’s 139 for eight. Ryan Roberts, Harry Nash and Ranjith Appuhamy each secured two wickets for Carmel, whose response ended on 120 for seven (Jonathan Fisher 48).

Corwen Seconds were dismissed for 77 prior to Ruthin Seconds’ 78 for one. Jonas Roberts (3-15) impressed for the Ruthin side.