Cricket: Bangor find form ahead of derby clash

Jun 17 2009

BANGOR (25) 151-2 LLANRWST (4) 150-8 dec

A CRUSHING eight-wicket win over previously unbeaten Llanrwst set up Bangor nicely for this Saturday’s hotly-awaited derby at Menai Bridge.

Victory over the Rwsters moved Bangor up to third in the North Wales League Premier Division, but skipper Robbie Marshall insists there will be no room for complacency when they visit their closest neighbours.

"Long gone are the days when we were the biggest side in north west Wales," said Marshall.

"Over the last couple of years Menai Bridge have come on in leaps and bounds.

"In Robbie Jones they have a brilliant player who I’ve played against and alongside since schooldays, and with the likes of Ashley Wood too they are a formidable team.

"We aren’t expecting anything else but a tough game."

Bangor’s resurgence after an ordinary start to the campaign hit new heights on Saturday at Ty Newydd.

Put into bat, Llanrwst got off to a flyer with Tarique Khan and Dave Taylor putting on 30 in no time at all, but then Bangor’s South African professional David Winter took centre stage.

The Springbok claimed 5-64 as the visitors were restricted to 150-8 dec, a total which would have been much lower but for good batting down the order from Matthew Coleman (34) and Tomos Slattery (22).

Bangor’s response mirrored that of the opposition with Richard Parry going great guns before he was dismissed for 23.

But then skipper Marshall joined Gwilym Lloyd Jones and the pair concocted a 107 stand for the second wicket.

Jones, on his return from studies at Aberdeen, was run out just two short of notching a half century, but Marshall went on to finish 65 not out off 72 balls, his innings including 11 fours and a six.

The hosts reached 151-2 in just 31 overs and took a 25-4 points split.

"I told the lads these are the type of games we have to target to win if we are going to challenge near the top," said a delighted Marshall after the game.

"Everyone stood up to be counted and it was a fine all-round performance.

"David Winter got into them, tore apart their middle order and I’d certainly have settled to chase 150-8 at the start."

And Marshall stressed a change of attitude in the batting this season is certainly bearing fruit.

"We’re not waiting for the bad balls to hit for four now, we’re running singles and keeping the scoreboard ticking over.

"We’d have been looking at fifth or sixth spot at the start of the season and while actually winning the title might be a year or two away, we’re definitely capable of challenging for second or third."