A MAJOR battle is brewing to achieve promotion from Division Two this season.

Leaders Marchwiel and Wrexham suffered only their second loss of the campaign in a 27-run reverse at Bangor Seconds, but they still hold a comfortable 28-point advantage at the top.

However, you could throw a blanket over the fellow promotion seekers, with just three points separating second-placed Bangor from Llay, sitting in fourth.

Bangor’s triumph was set up by their effort of 126 for nine. Will Banham struck 37 in the middle order, as Gareth Evans (4-18) and Matt Lawrenson (3-16) caught the eye with the ball.

Despite decent efforts from Sam Heard Edwards (38) and Evans (34), Marchwiel were restricted to 99 for nine.

Llay’s promotion aims were dealt a blow by a 42-run loss at home to Mochdre Seconds, who scored 184.

Jacob Roberts (5-34) was the main bowler for Llay, whose reply was then halted on 142 (Tom Parry 57).

Bersham defeated Menai Bridge Seconds in a match that was reduced to 30 overs per side. Nilanka De Silva, Anirudh Menon and Hasitha Sanujaya each bagged two wickets in Bridge’s 103 for eight, before Sanujaya (41) helped Bersham to 105 for seven (Hari Williams 4-8).

Corwen got the better of Pontblyddyn Seconds by 32 runs after setting 147 for nine (Jon Turner 38, Fraser Keay 3-18, Sam Andrews 3-14). Keay (31 not out) top scored in Pontblyddyn’s 115 (William Pooler 3-18).

Hawarden Park Seconds’ bowlers were to the fore in a thumping 78-run victory over Division Three front-runners Ruthin.

Jack Williams (4-6), Owen Ford (2-7) and Ahmed Javed (2-18) made sure Ruthin were dismissed for 67. Earlier in the day, Hawarden Park got to 145 all out, with Luke Bennett (48) leading the way. Jason Jones and Matthew Duckworth took three wickets apiece.

Connah’s Quay Seconds pipped Denbigh Seconds by two wickets, after the visitors had initially set 160 for two, Gerallt Lyall (pictured right) hitting 75 not out). Jack Griffiths (50) and Cole Hooson (46) led Quay to 162 for eight.

Buckley Seconds reached 161 for four to make sure of a six-wicket success at home to Caernarfon.

Samuel Jones (59 not out) and Johnny Hewitt (42) were key figures in the successful chase for Buckley, in response to Caernarfon’s initial 160 for six (Ian Morgan 99 not out).

Bethesda Seconds picked up an 85-run triumph from their trip to Halkyn Seconds. Gethin Hughes’ unbeaten 51 helped Bethesda to reach 156 for four, while Will Baker (34) top scored in Halkyn’s 71.

A trio of matches did go ahead in Division Four and leaders Marchwiel and Wrexham Seconds were beaten by 28 runs against Carmel & District Seconds.

Nick Hughes hit 30 in Carmel’s 108 for eight (Paul Baines 3-8), while Dafydd Timothy (4-13) played his part in the hosts’ 80 all out.

Will Webster (55) and Andy Meakin (43) made important contributions as Mynydd Isa & Maeshafn struck 165 for eight against Dolgellau Seconds, who would finish up short on 94 (Aryaman Arora 3-9).

Ruthin Seconds defeated Abergele Seconds by 86 runs. Ieuan Wynne Lewis finished undefeated on 44 in Ruthin’s 131 for six.

Mold Thirds are two points clear at the top of the Sunday East League after a thrilling one-wicket win over Gwersyllt Park Thirds.

Park posted 141 for eight with Joseff Roberts (39) and an unbeaten 22 from Ewan Hill steering the leaders to 142 for nine.

Brymbo Thirds cruised to a nine wicket win at Northop Hall Fourths, who were skittled out for 77, Terry Jones taking 4-14.

Captain Gareth Parry hit 37 not out in Brymbo’s reply of 78 for one.

Second-placed Northop Thirds beat Pontblyddyn Thirds by five wickets.

Opener George Matthias top scored with 31 as Pont posted 140 as Wayne Totty landed 4-23. Northop’s Stanley Gomes (30) helped his side to 143 for five.

Connah’s Quay Nomads Thirds were seven wicket winners at home to Buckley Thirds, who were bowled out for 112, Liam Cappiello and Hashmat Dias taking three wickets each as Ollie Fellows carried his bat with a brilliant 82.

Man of the match Dias then blasted an unbeaten 78 off 51 balls as Quay eased to 113 for three.