BANGOR skipper David Winter says he and his side will be “psyched up” for this weekend’s North Wales Cricket Premier Division derby against Menai Bridge. 

Although City find themselves third-bottom in the table after last weekend’s four-wicket loss at home to Pwllheli, Winter insists his team are “capable” of returning to winning ways against the reigning champions and current league leaders on Saturday. 

He said: “We’re not getting worried. There’s not team in this competition we’re not capable of beating on the day. It’s all about keeping positive. 

“I’ll be psyched up for this game and I will be psyching my players up too. There’s obviously a big rivalry because of our proximity. 

“They are a good team and they will be a hard team to beat.” 

Winter believes his side were “30 to 40 runs short” of victory against their Gwynedd county rivals at Ty Newydd last Saturday. 

With ‘Heli putting Bangor in to bat first, they struck early with the wicket of City’s Jamie Davies for just one run. 

Gareth Edwards (13) steadied the hosts somewhat, before the third-wicket partnership took control. 

Francois Mostert (37) made good runs before being caught-and-bowled by Nadeem Rehman, while Winter topped the scoring with 38. 

Late additions from Callum McCann (18), Chris Barry (19) and Waleed Idrees (13) pushed Bangor forward, before they were skittled for a reachable 167. 

Although Pwllheli openers Ben Jones (6) and Nicholas Butterworth (9) soon departed, big knocks from Rehman (76 no) and Morgan Murray-Williams (44) saw the visitors close in on the winning total with 22 balls to spare and four wickets in hand. 

Mostert (3-29) was the pick of the home bowlers, while Ian Morgan, Idrees Ijaz and Edwards all took a wicket apiece. 

In Division Three, Bangor seconds lost by eight-wickets at Llangollen. 

IT’S as you were for North Wales Cricket Premier Division table-toppers Menai Bridge as they prepare to welcome local rivals Bangor across the Strait on Saturday. 

Weather may have dealt Robbie Jones’ men a reprieve at second-placed Brymbo last weekend, as their early season top-of-the-table clash was ended prematurely by rain. 

The home side were just two overs into chasing Menai’s lowly 126 total, before play was abandoned. 

Although the points were shared five-all on this occasion, Jones and co will be keen not to leave anything to chance against their derby opponents this weekend. 

Batting first, it was Ashley Wood (32 no) who helped Menai recover from threat of collapse, only for the showers to end their innings after 42 overs, with the score on 126-8. 

Although Brymbo managed just two overs, Jones showed his threat with the ball by claiming the early wicket of James Claybrook - shortly before the match was washed out. 

Outstanding knocks from Paul Gower (50 no) and Dion Owen (46) helped guide Menai seconds to a respectable 164-9 score at home to Marchwiel and Wrexham, but they eventually lost by seven wickets. 

Menai thirds defeated Connah’s Quay by seven wickets, with batsmen Tony Stephens (70) and Gareth Riley (51) leading the charge. 

The seconds head to Llanrwst on Saturday while the thirds visit Northop.