Cricket: Spinner gives Bangor the edge against Menai Bridge

Jun 24 2009

VETERAN spinner Peter Banham’s four-wicket burst turned a close fought derby in Bangor’s favour, a fourth win in a row moving the Ty Newydd side up to second in the Premier Division.

Chasing 199 for victory, Menai were well placed on 116-3 before Banham weaved his magic with a spell of 4-22 in 15 overs to earn his team a 26-6 points verdict.

"Peter’s a wily character and despite being in his 40s he’s still one of the best spinners in the league," said Bangor skipper Robbie Marshall. "I just wish he was 20 years younger!

Marshall was delighted to come away from Tyn-y-Cae victorious and has no doubt what has been a key factor in his team’s re-emergence as a Premier force.

"The players are really starting to believe in themselves; the team spirit is coming back.

"What was especially pleasing about yesterday is we gained 21 points on (leaders) Pontblyddyn."

Bangor will aim to keep their winning run going when they welcome Chirk to Ty Newydd this Saturday with long-term injury victim, opening bowler Sion Gwyn, in line for a recall and former skipper and batsman Andy Savage plus impressive Walid Idrees also in the frame.

Losing Menai skipper Robbie Jones was a disappointed man after Saturday’s game.

"We just didn’t bat well enough," he said. "Bangor are a much improved side, but we were missing two key batsmen in Dion Holden and Dave Wilcockson which made a difference."

Bridge will look to bounce back when they visit top side Pontblyddyn this weekend.

On Saturday Bangor set 198-9 declared off 50 overs, Richard Parry (49) and Gwilym Lloyd Jones (36) sharing an opening stand of 89, Humayun Afridi adding 34no and Marshall 28.

Gerallt Roberts (3-46), Paul Lucas (2-28) and Ashley Wood (2-37) led the way for Bridge.

In reply, a second wicket partnership of 70 between Baden Wilton (51) and captain Jones (32) gave Menai hope before Banham intervened.

Andy Skeoch (33) helped Bridge to 178 all out, Iwan Roberts 2-35 and David Winter 2-50 for Bangor.