MOCHDRE 3RDS 169
LLANGOLLEN 262-8
(Llangollen won 9-1)
A NASTY injury to star performer Gareth Rigden cast a shadow over another decent weekend for Llangollen.
Travelling to Mochdre on Sunday, Rigden hit a half-century with the bat and claimed a fine three-wicket haul with the ball, but he also suffered a dislocated finger and had to leave the field to head for treatment.
Division Five promotion chasers Llan were never in any danger of suffering defeat after rattling up a hugely imposing 262-8 from their 45 overs batting first.
On a hot and windy day, the gales made it difficult for some bowlers to find their line and length, but that didn't seem to bother Gavin Roberts too much as he struck early to have Tom King caught behind for five.
Opening bat Rigden then proceeded to send all of the Mochdre bowlers around the park as he and Nick Austin put on a fantastic 154 for the second wicket.
Rigden was eventually caught at mid wicket off John Parry for a sparkling 85.
Nick Austin continued to colour in his batting wagon wheel almost exclusively behind square on the leg side, before he also fell to Parry on 71.
These two knocks were the main reason for Llangollen’s large total, although there were also contributions from Craig Boyle (25) and James Adamson (22).
Gavin Roberts (3-51) was Mochdre’s main wicket taker.
Mochdre did start their response well with number three John Parry (65) and Mark Williams (35) in the runs.
However, those were the only double-figure efforts for the home side, who were dismissed for 169 with just two balls of their innings remaining. Parry was out in the last over as he pushed for Mochdre’s second point.
Gareth Rigden picked up a nasty dislocation going for a return catch after snapping up 3-8 in 5.5 overs and left the field.
James Adamson filled the breach taking 5-21 from 10.1 overs, while there was a wicket apiece for Craig Boyle and Luke Gardner.