SATURDAY 2ND JUNE

PONTBLYDDYN 2NDS v MOCHDRE 2NDS

Mochdre's 2nd XI fared no better in their Division 3 fixture at Pontblyddyn II. One look at the wicket told stand-in skipper Steve Penk that this would be a bad toss to lose - but lose it he did. Variable and inconsistent bounce from the drying track were too much for the mainly youthful Mochdre batting line-up, only the exper ienced Peter S Williams, 11, reaching double figures as they were shot out for 52 by Garonwy Dale, 7 for 13 off 6, and Meic Parry, 3 for 18 off 10. Pontblyddyn rightly reasoned that a swinging bat is the best way to attack a low total, and with Meirion Chambers, 22 not out, leading the way, Mochdre's total was passed for the loss of just one wicket, veteran Penk, 1 for 11, taking the single scalp.

SATURDAY 9TH JUNE

MOCHDRE 2NDS v MYNYDD ISA

Mochdre 2nd XI were also involved in a run feast on a magnificent home batting track, but despite a century of Herculean proportions by Paul Buckley, fell just short of passing the mammoth total set by league leaders Mynydd Isa. With key players absent due to junior international and county calls, stand-in skipper Steve Penk saw his bits-and-pieces bowling attack taken apart by the visitors' powerful batting line up. Opener Andy McLean, 76, led the way, as, with contributions from Gary Myers, 60, Danny Rowe, 41, and Ian Martin, 36 not out, Mynydd Isa racked up 254 for 5 off their 45 over allotment, Peter S Williams picking up 2 for 61. Shining Mochdre sportsmanship marked the early part of their reply, as top order men Clifton Robinson, 13, and Peter S Williams, 24, "walked" without reference to the umpire on being caught behind. The highlight of the innings was an epic knock of 106 , including 16 boundaries, by Paul Buckley, playing his first game in almost a year. Together with Brian Boswell, who contributed a pugnacious 48, the pair added 141 for the fourth wicket, before both fell seeking the quick runs needed for victory. The lower order could not maintain the pace in the face of hostile bowling from Ian Martin, 1 for 25 off 12 . Danny Rowe picked up 3 for 31 in the run chase as Mochdre fell 26 runs short on a creditable 228 for 7.

SATURDAY 16TH JUNE

LLANDUDNO 2NDS v MOCHDRE 2NDS

In the depths of the third division, Mochdre and Llandudno 2nds were involved in a keenly contested fixture at the Oval. Electing to bat, Mochdre started well with an initial stand of 75 between Brian Boswell, 32, and Peter S Williams. The experienced Williams has opted to assist the second XI through the current season, and his undoubted class shone through in a superb knock of 87. Unfortunately, he was unable to find a partner to stay long enough to build an imposing total, as, led by resourceful veteran Graham Gibbons, 3 for 59, Lla ndudno held the Mochdre middle order in check, the innings closing on 151 for 7 off 45 overs. Llandudno were never out of the hunt as useful early contributions from Martin Bean, 29, and Paul Anderson, 20, carried them to 52 for 1. Lofty paceman Steve Pen k, 3 for 28 off 12, then weighed in with a fine spell for Mochdre, including the wicket of ever-dangerous David Robertson, who, despite being given not out by the umpire, sportingly walked on being assured of a clean catch by the Mochdre fielders. Llandudno kept in the chase thanks to Richard Pike, whose quick-fire 39 included 3 sixes, before Bill Maidlow, 4 for 33 off 11, and Richie Totton, 2 for 41 off 10, whittled down the Llandudno batting order. The last wicket fell to man of the match Williams, 1 for 19 off 6, as the home side's innings closed on 135 all out.

SATURDAY 23RD JUNE

MOCHDRE 2NDS v CORWEN

Mochdre 2nds produced their best performance of the season at home to first time visitors Corwen in their division 3 clash at Cae Wern Ddu. Opting to bat, Mochdre were propelled to a terrific start by grizzled veter an Albie Woods, who rolled back the years in a classic knock of 63 including 8 boundaries. Together with 34 from the lively Clifton Robinson, 88 runs were added for the first wicket and a further 49 for the second along with Peter S Williams, 31. Youngs ter Phil Dickson chipped in with 20 and skipper Alun Evans 14, as the home side compiled a challenging 193 for 8 off their 45 overs. Glyn Watkins, 2 for 26, and Mike Watson, 2 for 43, were Corwen's leading wicket-takers. With a decent total on the board, Mochdre were able to open the bowling with the left arm spin of wily old-stager Bob Sugden who reeled in Corwen's top three, returning with 3 for 32 off his 12 over stint. However, Mochdre's principal bowling honours fell to debut-making Dave Pullinger with a magnificent 5 for 29 off 11, whilst Wales junior Adam Campion demonstrated his promise with 1 for 44 off 9. Corwen mounted a late rearguard action led by no 8 Danny Beech, top scoring with 29, before their innings was halted on 140 all out.