AUG & SEPT 2ND X1 MATCH REPORTS

Saturday 14th August

Mochdre's seasoned slow left armer Bob Sugden was again to the fore in the 2nd XI's home fixture with Pwllheli. Bowling throughout the Pwllheli innings in tricky conditions, his superb exhibition of spin bowling brought a second successive six wicket return, this time 6 for 64 off 22 overs, and included a breathtaking caught and bowled. Good support came from Paul Buckley, 3 for 39, as Pwllheli reached 165 all out, largely indebted to a fine 87 from opener Neil Williams. Mochdre's reply began well with punishing hitting from Colin Midgeley, 19, and classic off-driving from Albie Woods, 25. At 89 for 2 with Woods and Paul Buckley, 35, going well a home victory looked a strong possibility. However the introduction of Pwllheli's own slow left armer Richard Gloster proved decisive, his 5 for 35 off 16 overs putting the skids under the weakened Mochdre tail as they declined to 131 all out.

Saturday 21st August

A severely depleted Mochdre 2nd XI , with only five regulars and with six juniors in the side, were comprehensively put to the sword at powerful Castell Alun 1st XI in their Division 3 fixture. Only Clifton Robinson, with a characterful 26 not out batting at no 5, was able to defy the home attack as Mochdre were shot out for 40, Gaz Jones picking up 4 for 2 off 3 overs. Mochdre spirit was well to the fore as Castell Alun replied with Neil Campion, 2 for 17 off 13 overs, and Colin Midgeley, conceding just 20 runs off 12 overs in his first spell of the season, making the home side fight all the way for a seven wicket victory.

Saturday 28th August

In Division 3 Mochdre 2nd XI's weekend began dismally with a comprehensive defeat by Mynydd Isa 1st XI. Steve Yates, 85, and Andy McLean, 82, were the bedrock of the Flintshire side's 229 for 5 against a weakened Mochdre bowling attack. Bob Sugden, 4 for 61 off 18 overs, yet again showed his class with a fine bowling performance in adverse circumstances. In reply Mochdre's batting spluttered fitfully as Graham Blythin, 29, and Colin Midgeley, 16, took the attack to the visitors. Despite a valiant 10 not out from 13 yea r old Duncan Midgeley the bowlers remained on top and Mochdre could only muster 108 as their final total.

Monday 30th August

Monday brought a better performance from Mochdre II as they visited fellow strugglers Halkyn II. Despite a poor start, fine knocks by Bob Gazeley, 67 not out, and Graham Blythin, 52, helped Mochdre recover from 28 for 3 to finish on 162 for 9, Ian Mercer returning 5 for 36 for the home side. Skipper Neil Campion led from the front picking up 5 for 31 off 12 overs as Halkyn replied. Lofty paceman Steve Penk returned from first team duties to chip in 3 for 31 off 10, and youngster Jamie Shaw contributed with an excellent run out as Halkyn were halted on 113.

Saturday 4th September

Once again Mochdre lost after an inept batting display. Shotton posted a score of 155 for 8, with M.Carrino making a useful 48, and M.Probert a bludgening 36. Once again the main wicket taker for Mochdre was veteran let arm spinner, with a return of 5 for 57 off 15 overs. In Mochdre's reply opener Colin Midgeley made a patient 43 and young Frank Richards made 24. Next week's game at home to Carmel is a must win situation if Mochdre are to keep Division 3 status.

Saturday 11th September

Mochdre 2nd XI confirmed their status in Division 3 of the North Wales League with a resounding home victory against Carmel 1st XI at Black Marsh Field. Nothing less than a victory was needed to be certain of avoiding relegation, and the bowling attack rose to the challenge superbly with brilliant fielding support. Pacemen Steve Penk, 1 for 14 off 8 overs, and Robbie Stewart, 1 for 19 off 8, held Carmel in check early in their innings, despite a patient 25 from Ray Jones. A double change saw the introduction of skipper Neil Campion and left arm spinner Bob Sugden. The effect was devastating as Sugden, 4 for 4 off 8 overs, and medium pacer Campion, 4 for 14 off 8, swept through the Carmel batting line up reducing them to 52 all out. Seven catches were held as Mochdre took a firm grip on the game. With rain imminent, the situation was tailor made for hard-hitting opener Colin Midgeley, and he duly obliged with an unbeaten 30 including 6 fours. Excellent support was provided by Benny Jones, 22 not out, as Mochdre cruised to a resounding ten-wicket victory off just 11 overs.