MATT THOMPSON has spoken enough about batting collapses already this season.
There was another one for Gresford in their disappointing Premier Division loss to multiple champions Menai Bridge last time out, but skipper Thompson is hoping for a more solid showing with the blade in tomorrow’s trip to Northop.
“Hopefully we can put ourselves in a strong position again,” said Thompson, whose side was 35 without loss chasing Bridge’s 105 last week.
“With the bowling, we were really good. Simon Perry, he’s been on fire.
“That was a game that was a great opportunity to win.”
Perry finished up with a four-wicket haul last time out and Gresford will be hoping he can continue his fine performances with the ball.
The sun has been out and temperatures are finally on the up, which is ideal for Northop skipper Bart Ryan-Beswick.
Northop go into the match on the back of a two-wicket triumph over Denbigh and Ryan-Beswick said: “Good hard-fought win Saturday. Roll on a home tie to Gresford on Saturday. Finally some cricket weather!”
The two sides are at respective ends of the table, with Gresford situated in the relegation zone, while Northop are up in fourth position.
Competitive Gwersyllt Park have adapted so well to life in the Premier Division and they will be looking to record their fourth win of the campaign tomorrow.
Iroshan De Silva’s Park are at home to Welsh Cup quarter-finalists Llandudno, who have won just once in the league this season.
It is a big weekend for second-placed Brymbo.
Dan Parry’s side, who are also through to the last-eight of the Welsh Cup, will look to make it six successes for the season away to Bangor tomorrow.
Brymbo go into the match following victories over Gwersyllt Park in the league and Welsh Cup, with skipper Parry saying: “Two cracking games of cricket, played in a great way. Competitive and had cricket with a beer afterwards.
“Fantastic to see Sam Aplin score a first Premier competitive half-century, along with two top drawer bowling spells from (Mohamed Nilam) Jayman and Connor (Davies) respectively.”
James Claybrook and Joe Norman will return for Brymbo.
On Sunday, Brymbo will be the setting for the meeting between Wales National County (North) and Leeds Beckett.
Brymbo’s Sam Aplin is in the North Wales squad, as are Gwersyllt Park’s Lewis Cole and Gresford skipper Thompson.
St Asaph’s Natt Scott, Matt Ryan and Will Norman will also feature, along with Denbigh’s Harrison Jones, Colwyn Bay’s Luke Russell, Nantwich’s Jason Foulkes and Bangor duo Owen Reilly and Cian Williams. The team is captained by St Asaph’s Will Ryan.
Ryan and his Saints team will have a Vale of Clwyd derby away to Denbigh tomorrow, while unbeaten leaders Mochdre head to Menai Bridge.
Northop Seconds will be aiming to cement their spot at the head of Division One with tomorrow’s home clash away to mid-table Dolgellau.
Fourth-placed Connah’s Quay, defeated by Hawarden Park last time out, will look to get their promotion push back on track at second-placed Bethesda, while Hawarden Park play host to Conwy, who are in third position.
Mold are also involved in the promotion picture and they continue their schedule at Brymbo Seconds, while Halkyn head to Pontblyddyn and Buckley entertain Abergele.
There’s a big clash in store in Division Two, with leaders Marchwiel and Wrexham visiting second-placed Mochdre Seconds.
Llay could climb back into the promotion places if they can secure a positive outcome from their match away to Gresford Seconds.
Other fixtures: Bersham v Pontblyddyn 2nds; Corwen v Carmel & District; Llanrwst v Bangor 2nds; St Asaph 2nds v Menai Bridge 2nds.
Division Three: Connah’s Quay 2nds v Hawarden Park 2nds; Conwy 2nds v Denbigh 2nds; Mold 2nds v Bethesda 2nds; Pwllheli v Buckley 2nds; Ruthin v Caernarfon.
Division Four: Carmel & District 2nds v Llanrwst 2nds; Llandudno 2nds v Dolgellau 2nds; Marchwiel and Wrexham 2nds v Corwen 2nds; Mynydd Isa & Maeshafn v Ruthin 2nds.
Will Norman will lead Wales National County (North) U19s to the Merseyside T20 tournament early next month.
It will be held at Warrington from July 1-3.
Squad: Josh Hollinshead, Will Norman, Aaron Thomas, Callum Ferguson, Ryan Ferguson, Cayo Jones, Osian Roberts, Evan Shaw, David Owen, Joe Threlfall, Dan Russell, Josh Brown, Ellis Williams, James Martin, Tom Wilson.
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