BUDDING cricketers from across North Wales came together to battle it out in the final of the 17th annual North Wales Police Challenge Shield, an event which has become embedded into the junior cricketing calendar.

The competition was again supported by the Police and Community Trust (PACT) who donated over £250 towards the event.

The finals day, which is police sponsored and run in conjunction with the Cricket Board of Wales, was played at Mochdre Cricket Club on Sunday September 8th.

The day started with the Under 11’s final between Eryri Regional League winners Llandudno Cricket Club and North East Regional winners Hawarden Park Cricket Club.

The match itself proved an excellent start to the day’s events and the catching on both sides was truly a credit to both sets of coaches. Hawarden’s batting proved a little too strong for Llandudno on this occasion and they ran out worthy winners, making it the club’s first victory in the 17 year history of the competition.

Sergeant Neal Parkes, who co-ordinated the tournament, said: “The day was once again a great success. The weather Gods shined on us and both the under 11 and 15 finals were bathed in some beautiful autumnal sunshine.”

This was followed by the Under 13’s game which saw Mochdre Cricket Club take on their opposites at Northop cricket club. A powerful batting and tight bowling performance proved to be the difference between the two teams and Northop proved worthy winners.

The final game was the under 15s final which was between Pwhelli Cricket Club and Northop Cricket Club. A solid batting display and some inspired bowling proved to be the difference between the two teams and saw success for the North East outfit.

Neal added: “Credit should go to the volunteers/committee at Mochdre Cricket Club for providing superb facilities and preparing an excellent wicket for the day. A special mention should also go to the umpires for the day, Dave Jones, Richard Weed and Don Woollaston as without their assistance, the day simply wouldn’t have happened.”