A SEVEN-WICKET success at Gresford means that St Asaph are still in with a chance of defending their North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title.

However, time is running out and they will need leaders Menai Bridge to drop points in their remaining two matches.

As things stand, the Saints trail their Anglesey rivals by seven points.

All St Asaph can do is win matches to keep the pressure on Menai Bridge and Sunday's contest turned into a comfortable success.

Gresford opted to make first use of the batting track after they won the toss and they were all out for 170 in the 49th over.

There was a promising start to the innings as Robert Clark (26) and Daniel Williams (56) compiled a first wicket stand of 57.

Chris Ellwood added 27, but the Saints' bowlers stuck to their task to dismiss Gresford for under 200.

Dan Evans was the chief wicket taker with his 4-28 return in nine overs, while Mathew Ryan claimed 3-32.

Gareth Goodson bagged 3-34 and there was also a wicket for Jurie Norval.

Maximum points would have pleased St Asaph, but they had to be satisfied with a 14-1 points win.

They were set a revised target of 128 from 33 overs and the Saints got to 131 for three inside 29 overs.

Nathanael Scott (37), Mathew Ryan (34 not out) and Dan Evans (26 not out) were the key contributors to the chase.

Sam Thompson (2-35) was the pick of Gresford's attack.