North Wales Police Challenge Shield
Budding cricketers from across the region came together to battle it out in the final of the North Wales Police Challenge Shield – an event which has become embedded into the junior cricketing calendar.
The annual competition, which is now in its 14th year, was again supported by the Police and Community Trust (PACT) who donated over £200 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 11th September.
The day started with the Under 11’s final between Eryri Regional League winners, Colwyn Bay Cricket Club, and North East Regional winners, Gresford Cricket Club. Despite the Bay posting a challenging score, the young cricketers from Gresford won an eagerly contested match.
This was followed by the Under 13’s game which saw the hosts Mochdre Cricket Club take on their opposites at Llay Welfare Cricket Club. This transpired to be the match of the day and the tension became almost unbearable as Mochdre chased down the total set by Llay. The game reached a climax with Mochdre drawing level with Llay following the final ball.
As is stated in the laws however, Mochdre claimed the win having lost fewer wickets. This was the first time in the history of the event that the game has resulted in a tie, and credit should go to the Llay players and parents for the sporting way in which they accepted defeat.
The last game was the Under 15’s final between Llandudno and Northop Cricket Clubs. Some inspired bowling and fielding by Northop reduced Llandudno to a modest total and Northop quickly set about the task for a successful result.
“The day was once again a great success,” said Sergeant Neal Parkes, who co-ordinated the tournament. “The weather remained dry throughout the day and in fact ended in beautiful autumnal sunshine.”
He added: “Credit should go to the volunteers/committee at Mochdre Cricket Club for providing superb facilities and preparing three excellent wickets for the day. A special mention should also go to the umpires for the day, Don Woollaston and Dave Jones, who assisted in ensuring the day happened.”
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