NORTH Wales Cricket League Premier Division title rivals St Asaph and Menai Bridge square off in a pivotal early season clash this weekend.

The top-two square off on Saturday in what is expected to be another huge indication as to where the championship might be heading at the end of the season.

Both have started the campaign in fine form, although Will Ryan’s men will be looking to bounce back from a dramatic derby day defeat at rivals Denbigh over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Bridge welcome their opponents on the back of a resounding victory over defending champions Bangor, where they turned in a virtuoso display to come away with a convincing success.

Sports reporter Dean Jones identifies four key figures that are expected to be crucial in deciding the outcome of the highly-anticipated clash.

Duncan Midgley (St Asaph):

The talented opening batsman was a key acquisition for the Saints during the pre-season, and Midgley has wasted no time in making an impact at the crease.

He has accumulated 165 runs from three innings’ so far this season, including an eye-catching 88 in their emphatic victory over Hawarden Park to further demonstrate his class.

There is no doubt that Midgley will have his hands full early on with a very strong Bridge bowling attack, but if he stands up to the test then he is more than capable of putting up a big score.

Gerallt Roberts (Menai Bridge):

Roberts began the season in fine form and will be key to any success that comes the home side’s way against a very dangerous St Asaph batting line-up.

He hit the ground running in his first game of the season against Bangor, putting in a brilliant ten-over spell to end with figures of 4-30 to lead his side to a notable scalp.

The bowler is a very useful tool to have behind Patrick Glover and Ashley Wood, and his attempts to dispose of the middle order cheaply will be crucial to the overall outcome.

Jason Foulkes (St Asaph):

One of the brightest young bowlers anywhere in the region, Foulkes has been at his ruthless best in the early stages of the campaign as he goes in search of individual and teams honours this term.

He is responsible for taking 42 per cent of St Asaph’s wickets so far, and his sensational 5-34 against Denbigh was almost enough to get his side over the line.

Foulkes has a big job on his hands this weekend when you consider the amount of talent within the Bridge top order, but his form will ensure that batsmen across the region will be very wary of him with the new ball in his hands.

Luke Jones (Menai Bridge):

Jones’ 110 against Bangor featured a number of dazzling strokes, and any similar score against the city side will be extremely tough to come back from.

He is just part of a formidable top order that also features Jack Gower and skipper Dion Holden, and with some much talent around him, Jones can play without pressure which is another huge plus.

The visitors will need to dispose of him early, but that will be easier said than done given the quality of Jones’ stroke play, especially off the back foot.