NORTHOP SECONDS are nearing their century in the quest to claim this season’s Division One crown.

Unbeaten Northop moved their tally to 95 points on the back of a seven-wicket triumph at home to Pontblyddyn.

Skipper James Griffiths top scored with his undefeated 28 in Pontblyddyn’s 97 all out.

Tom Sudder (3-13) and Mark Poynton (3-30) impressed for leaders Northop, who replied with 98 for three (James Roberts 34).

Connah’s Quay’s promotion hopes were dealt a blow with their 14-run reverse in a low-scoring contest at Hawarden Park.

Campbell Marr struck 35 out of Park’s 111 for eight (Mali Auty 3-20, Darren Leach 3-14) and Quay were then halted on 97 (Evan Shaw 4-22). Ian Martin grabbed 3-3 in nine overs.

Halkyn were pipped by two wickets at home to Bethesda, who won it with 147 for eight (Carwyn Williams 26, Alex North 3-25).

Nabeel Khan (56) and Muhammad Bajwa (26 not out) helped Halkyn to 146 for eight (Daniel Oshyer 3-22).

Mold suffered a four-wicket defeat during their visit to Abergele. Munowar Samsodien (40 not out) and Thomas North (33) were the leading lights in Mold’s 172 for eight and Abergele replied with 173 for six.

Meanwhile, Brymbo Seconds lost out by three wickets versus Dolgellau, who made 178 for seven (Lafras Van Vuuren 94, Gareth Pugh 2-32).

This came after Brymbo’s initial 174 for nine (Ioan Craven-Jones 46, Joss Roberts 32, Van Vuuren 3-33).

Jonathon James Davies hit 96 as Conwy defeated Buckley by 168 runs. Adam Shaw (5-54) impressed for the visiting side as Conwy’s 45 overs yielded 277 for nine.

Buckley replied with 109 for nine after tea, with Rocco Franco (26) and Joel Sampson (24) the leading scorers. Patrick Jelley picked up a 5-42 haul for the home side.

Chester Boughton Hall eased to a six wicket at home to Grappenhall in the Cheshire County Premier League.

Jamie Griffiths starred with the ball, taking 4-27 as Grappenhall were bowled out for 155.

Noah Vickery then took centre stage, nailing nine fours and two sixes in an unbeaten 74 as Hall reached 155 for four inside 32 overs.

Hall remain four points behind leaders Hyde, who won by five wickets at Bowdon.