JORDAN EVANS didn’t fancy playing himself in as the Northop star smashed a 69-ball century on cricket’s long-awaited return in North Wales.

Evans smashed 102 before retiring as Northop hit 216 for eight in an 84 run win over Llay Welfare in the newly-revised eight-team Group B set-up.

Evans plundered 14 boundaries and three sixes after James Roberts had scored 41.

Dave Phennah bowled brilliantly, taking 6-22 but despite 67 from opener Jack Parry, Llay fell well short on 132 for nine.

Matthew Williams (3-25) and Andy Poynton (pictured, 2-19) were Northop’s top bowlers.

Gwersyllt Park captain Jake James inspired his side to a thrilling one wicket win over Pontblyddyn, who posted a decent 207 total thanks to 58 from Mike Littler, Gethin Thomas (44) and Mark Neath’s unbeaten 31.

James then smashed 17 fours and two sixes in a stunning 107 although they needed 36 from Lewis Cole to get them across the line with nine balls to spare.

Hawarden Park pulled a rabbit out of the hat at Denbigh where they had David Hughes to thanks for a six run victory.

Coming on as Park’s fifth bowler, Hughes took 5-19 in eight overs as the hosts were bowled out for 117 in reply to Hawarden’s 123

Brymbo were skittled for just 79 as they stumbled in reply to Gresford’s 173 for nine.

Daniel Williams top scored with 52 and Chris Ellwood added 31 but their star turn was Sam Thompson, who landed 5-16.

Gareth Pugh hit 31 for Brymbo, who collapsed from 44 for two to 79 all out inside 30.4 overs. Their best bowler was Joe Norman, who took 3-34.

Connah’s Quay put last season’s woes well and truly behind them as they piled on the runs, smashing 261 for six in their opening Group C contest with Buckley.

Opener Luke Bennett’s 81 set The Quay, who were the Premier Division whipping boys last summer, on their way with Tom Hooson (58), Joshua Clarke 52 and an unbeaten 45 from Rhys Stout helping them boast an unbeatable target.

Louis Parry, Rhys Jones and Sam Edwards all took two wickets apiece as did Clarke for the Quay as Buckley reach 146 for six at the close, Joel Sampson hitting an an excellent 67 and Will Norman 32.

Mold eased to an 85-run win over Marchwiel and Wrexham thanks to a half century from Richard Deniz in their 200 total. John Crane hit 42 and took 3-19 as their opponents were bowled out for 115. George Forgrave scored 37 as Shaun Wheeler and Gareth Davies grabbed two wickets each.

Carmel beat Halkyn by 58 runs after Ryan Roberts top scored with 33 as they posted 145 on the scoreboard.

Gareth Thomas, Ben Wilbraham and Alex North all took two wickets as did Jack Whitehouse, Oliver Saynor and Ben Sim as Halkyn were bowled out for 87.

In the North Wales coast-based Group A, there were wins from Menai Bridge, Llandudno and Pwllheli. Menai’ 240 for nine was too daunting for Conwy, who were skittled out for just 77. Llandudno beat Bethesda by five wickets as they chased down 128 to win. Pwllheli posted 192 for two against Mochdre, who were 131 for eight at the close.

OTHER SCORES

Group E: Gresford 2nds 152-9, Brymbo 2nds 93; Hawarden Park 2nds 155-5, Denbigh 2nds 154; Pontblyddyn w/o Gwersyllt Park (conceded).

Group F: Buckley 2nds 102; Connah’s Quay 2nds 23; Halkyn 2nds 110; Carmel & District 2nds 107.

In the Shropshire League, Chirk got off to a losing start at Newtown in the John Rees Division One.

Chirk were invited to bat first and made 158 from their 40 overs, opener James Carter (pictured right) top scoring with 29.

Luke Gardner took 3-35 from 6.3 overs but the mid-Wales hosts dug deep to make it to 159 for eight with nine balls remaining.

Liverpool Competition side Northop Hall lost out by 84 runs in a friendly at Wallasey, who put 215 for six on the scoreboard.

Matthew Hodgson was Hall’s best bowler with 4-34 while Josh Andrady performed best with the bat, scoring 34 as Hall were dismissed for 131.