ST ASAPH were unable to clinch the North Wales Cricket League ECB T20 title as they fell to a 52-run home loss to defending champions Menai Bridge.

Bridge opener Luke Jones was able to make 16 before playing a Danny Ryan delivery into the hands of Elliot Morris, shortly prior to skipper Dion Holden being ousted from the crease by Jason Foulkes for a duck.

A standout partnership from wicketkeeper-batsman Jack Gower and Carl Jones put the visitors back in the ascendancy, with the former eventually clean bowled by Foulkes after making a quick-fire 63 from 45 balls.

Holyhead Hotspur FC goalkeeper Jones fared far better, with the talented individual smashing his way to an unbeaten 83 off 51 deliveries, which included no fewer than ten boundaries.

Gethin Roberts also aided his side’s cause with 18 not out as Bridge set an imposing target of 202-3 from their allotted 20 overs at the crease.

The home side did not get off to the best of starts as Liam Bibby took out the opening duo of Duncan Midgley and captain Will Ryan for six and seven respectively, and Holden got his own back on Foulkes thanks to a crucial wicket for one.

Holden also ran out Daniel Williams after the batsman made a promising 20 from 16 balls, and Alex Baker did not last long in the middle after he was skittled by Roberts for just one.

The city side were given a revised target of 117 due to the deteriorating weather but never looked likely to reach their target, with Danny Ryan’s unbeaten 15 enabling them to post a score of 64-5 in reply.