CONNAH’S QUAY beat Brymbo by 33 runs in a highly entertaining Premier Division encounter.

In a game reduced to 30 overs per side, Quay opener Luke Bennett smashed 95 off just 47 balls as the hosts posted a daunting total of 261 for six.

In the build-up, Quay skipper Gavin Parry had said he wanted his team to bat with freedom having taken inspiration from England stars Eoin Morgan and Jos Buttler, and his top order got the message loud and clear.

Opener David Fox made 59 with quickfire contributions from Darren Jones (51) and Darren Leach (30), but Bennett was the key man blasting his 95 off just 47 balls before James Claybrook finally dismissed him.

Quay’s total of 261-6 would have been competitive in a 50-over match, never mind 30 overs, as Claybrook ended with 3-30 off his seven overs.

In reply, Claybrook (51) and 53 from Tim Newhouse gave Brymbo hope of pulling off an unlikely win as they attacked opener Ryan Holloway but Darren Leach (2-34) and Martin Burger (2-54) took key wickets at regular intervals.

Matt Turner struck 42 and Ben Roberts ended unbeaen on 28 but Brymbo fell short on 228-7.

Hawarden Park's lower order used all of its experience to claim an unlikely two-wicket win at Northop.

Despite Tom Ducker's 44, Hawarden slumped to 76-7 chasing 181 for victory as Andy Poynton (3-33), Liam Moores (2-34) and Mark Poynton (2-38) impressed with the ball for Northop.

But number eight Ian Martin steadied the ship with a timely 32, before Campbell Marr (35no) and Craig Wilson (27no) displayed cool heads to lead Hawarden over the finishing line with just two balls remaining.

Earlier in the day, Northop opener Darren Williams struck a half century, before James Roberts (48) and Tom Blackwell (31no) took over to help the hosts reach 180 from their allotted 43 overs.

Mike Wootton was the pick of the Hawarden bowling attack, taking 4-33 from his nine overs.

Pontblyddyn saw their three match winning run ended by a 74-run defeat at Pwllheli, who struck 229-8 having been asked to bat first.

Captain Ben Mason was the pick of the Pontblyddyn bowlers with 2-4, but Pwllheli's overseas professional Zandre Swartz struck a 49-ball 67.

Glenn Chambers (40) and Phil Davies (31) got Pontblyddyn's response off to a strong start after the early loss of Chris Moss, although things quickly went downhill.

Pontblyddyn lost their remaining nine wickets for just 98 runs as they were bowled out for 155 inside 45 overs, Jamie Chambers (25) the only other visiting batsman to reach double figures.

Ashley Wood and Dean Harbour both pocketed five-wicket hauls as leaders Menai Bridge (92-2) wrapped up a comfortable eight-wicket win over Bangor (89), while Russ Boswell and Gareth Davies bagged four wickets apiece as Mochdre (148-4) overcame Llandudno (147) by six wickets.

Andrew Bellis, David North and Jason Foulkes were in the wickets and Raazin Allie struck a half century as St Asaph (180-7) eased their relegation worries with a 27-run win at Denbigh (153).

Llay Welfare saw their Division One promotion hopes dented by a comprehensive 110-run defeat to Bersham.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Bersham eased their way to 266-7 from their 49 overs thanks to 70 from Mohamed Nilam Jayman and 30s by Suresh Lakmal Koswathage, Dilan Jayawardene, Mitchell Davies and Lakashan Wijesekera.

Despite a half century stand from David Phennah (34) and brother Mike (30), Llay were rolled out for 156 in reply, the tail, led by Liam O'Rourke (28) offering brief resistance.

Buckley made the most of Llay's slip up to climb to the top of the table with a four-wicket win against Conwy.

After asking their hosts to bat first, Buckley proceeded in skittling Conwy for 74, a total the visitors surpassed for the loss of six wickets and inside 19 overs.

Gresford also took advantage of Llay's slip to beat Marchwiel and Wrexham by eight wickets and move to within two points of their rivals.

Hosts Marchwiel were skittled for just 71 after being asked to bat

first, Gresford reaching the winning total of 72-2 from 20 overs.

Mold are now just eight points off the lead after beating hosts Bethesda by eight wickets.

Usman Butt (3-36) and Jamie Ryle (2-31) impressed with the ball for

Mold as Bethesda were restricted to 173-7. And after opener Butt had struck 43, overseas professional Heinrich Botes smashed 75 not out from 71 balls to see Mold home with 63 balls to spare.

Third placed Llanrwst (132-1) cruised to a nine-wicket win over basement outfit Menai Bridge 2nds (126).