FEW would argue that Menai Bridge were not thoroughly deserving of their North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title victory.

The newly crowned champions clinched the crown on the final day with a win against Pwllheli, rounding-off a phenomenal season which saw them lead the standings throughout the summer.

It looked as thought they might run away with it at one stage, but Brymbo and Llandudno put up a spirited fight to test the resolve of Dion Holden’s men, who passed this test with flying colours to get their hands back on the coveted trophy.

The skipper has really led by example during the season and has also contributed heavily with both bat and ball, acquiring 544 runs at an average of 30 and also helping himself to If one thing has been the key component behind their successful season, it has to be the strength-in-depth from one-to-11 within the Bridge set-up, which has been the real difference during critical stages.

Their relentless bowling attack was in ruthless form throughout. Overseas player Patrick Glover may have only picked up 22 wickets from his 146 overs, but he was very economical and proved to be a very useful foil for the likes of Gerallt Roberts, Ashley Wood and Gethin Roberts to benefit from later on in the innings.

The Roberts brothers, in particular, were simply outstanding and amassed 73 scalps between them to further enhance their influence within the squad, and Woods also finished with 33 victims from 150 overs at an average of just 13.8.

If that wasn’t enough, Bridge’s batting order was consistent with five players accumulating more than 350 runs during the campaign, but it was Jack Gower and Luke Jones who led the way and gave them a superb foundation from an opening partnership that gave them the best possible chance of succeeding.

Wicketkeeper Gower was the standout performer with the bat and you could see his time in Australia during the winter gave him some improved confidence, which was reflected in his 687 runs and a season best of 175.

Jones is another that stood out considerably with 574 runs, and Gethin Long also chipped in during his seven appearances to average a hugely impressive 59 average.

There is no telling what this group can achieve if they stay together and show the same sort of form next season. They are going to take some stopping once again and although there will be a host of teams’ looking to knock them off their perch, all challengers must improve considerably if they are to dethrone a Bridge side that have been a class apart this term.