A RETURN to winning ways is Gresford’s Premier Division target tomorrow.

However, that might be a tall order as they welcome the division’s only unbeaten side.

This weekend marks the halfway point of the cricketing season and Gresford’s visitors Menai Bridge have won 10 out of 10 to sit pretty at the top of the rankings.

Gresford captain Matt Thompson will be looking for his side to improve on two facets following last weekend’s narrow home loss to Pontblyddyn.

Chasing a revised 230 for victory, Gresford just came up short on 224 for nine from a reduced 41 overs.

“Our bowling and fielding let us down last week,” admitted Thompson.

“Pont batted well, but we gifted them too many runs.”

On a more positive note, Gresford did impress with the bat, most notably via a 60 not out knock from Jack Bunkell.

“We looked like we had no chance of chasing their total, but a fantastic partnership from Jack Bunkell and Gaz Bell saw us get close,” added Thompson.

Things aren’t straight-forward for the meeting with Menai Bridge and Thompson said: “This week we are missing a few players - not ideal against the league leaders!

“Ryan Williams, Jack Bunkell, Sam Thompson and Harry Morris are all unavailable but we do welcome Rob Clark back from university for the rest of the season.

“Josh Knowles also returns to the side.”

Gresford will look for another strong showing from Chris Ellwood, who already has 34 wickets this season.

Will Brymbo or Northop be in third spot at the midway point of the season?

That will be decided when Northop host a meeting between the pair tomorrow.

As things stand, it’s Brymbo who are third with 104 points, seven points ahead of their fourth-placed hosts.

James Claybrook and Seth Agard impressed for Brymbo as they won a rain-affected match at Bangor last time out.

Looking ahead to tomorrow, Brymbo skipper Dan Parry said: “Northop are a very good team.

“They are not fourth for no reason.”

Brymbo will be without Joe Norman and Gareth Boys.

Skipper Tom Crewe will be looking for an improved batting showing tomorrow as Llay enjoy home comforts once again.

Seven days after hosting Mochdre in a key encounter, Llay will welcome Bangor to The Ring.

Llay were well beaten in their meeting with fellow strugglers Mochdre, compiling only 90 as they batted first.

Crewe admitted: “Very disappointing last week.

“No complaints, we batted awful.”

There is some positive news ahead of tomorrow, though, as Joe Howell returns to the home line-up.

“Hopefully (we’ll) give Bangor a more competitive game than we gave Mochdre,” added Crewe.

St Asaph will be keeping a close eye on how Menai Bridge get on at Gresford.

The Saints, in second place with nine wins from 10 matches this season, travel to Pwllheli looking to make a dent in Bridge’s five-point lead.

Division Two: Bersham v Gresford 2nds; Caernarfon v Northop 2nds; Menai Bridge 2nds v Carmel & District; Mold 2nds v Mochdre 2nds; Ruthin v Hawarden Park 2nds; St Asaph 2nds v Bethesda.

Division Three: Abergele 2nds v Mynydd Isa and Maeshafn; Bethesda 2nds v Pontblyddyn 2nds; Brymbo 2nds v Connah’s Quay 2nds; Denbigh 2nds v Pwllheli 2nds.

Division Four: Corwen v Hawarden Park 3rds; Dolgellau 2nds v Halkyn 2nds.