NORTHOP and St Asaph put their on-field troubles firmly in the past as their Premier Division clash ended in both sets of players sharing a drink.

All eyes were on Flint Road as the two teams met for the first time since last season's clash saw Northop's Jordan Evans and Mathew Ryan, of St Asaph, wrestling on the pitch.

But the clash passed without incident as Northop recorded a one-wicket win, successfully chasing down St Asaph's 192 for seven with 14 balls to spare.

And Northop captain Gareth Williams was quick to defend both teams, posting a picture on social media with the following: "After all the nonsense written about this game being a ‘grudge match’ I hope this picture will get as much exposure as the photo taken at the last match did, but I doubt it!

"Great game on and off the field."

Umpires liason Paul Jones and Phil Haines, who came from south Wales, were the officials in charge of the match.

Jones, replying to Williams, praised both sides for their conduct under the microscope.

"He wrote: "Well said @gazwilliams79 Pleasure to umpire a hard competitive played exactly as the game should. Enjoyed by myself and @pjhaines49."

Wales ACO Twitter account, representing umpires and scorers across Wales, were equally complementary after the game had finished.

"Excellent game between @NorthopCC and @StAsaphCC tough tense game played in a tremendous spirit, both sides a credit to the game," wrote the account.

St Asaph's account thanked Northop for their hospitality, writing: "Great game and well played @NorthopCC on being great hosts."