2009 Season Season Summary                                    Played        Won               Lost     Cancelled Under 15`s                      8              7     (+ 2)        1                 4 League winners Under 13`s                      11            9     (+ 1)        2                  1 Runners up    Under 11`s                      11            9     (+ 1)        2                  1 League winners Under 9`s                        9             8                    1                  2 Runners up                                                          (+ 1) reflects games conceeded by opposition Under 15`s Games are usually played on Wednesday evenings....6.00pm start Date                  Opposition 13 May                Northop Hall (H)......rain then bad light and N.Hall not that keen meant no game. Good start for the U15`s!                       20 May                Pontblyddyn (A).....at a very wet Alder Meadow G`ford won by 12 runs thanks to excellent batting by Ross Willets (45no incl 3 big 6`s) who was well supported by Jack Bunkill (21no). G`ford restricted Pont to 92 for 4..all bowled and fielded well in the conditions.   24 May               Northop (H)  Welsh Cup...after letting Northop score 152 off their 20 overs G`ford responded superbly eventually to fall just 4 runs short. Rory Benson and Ross Willets led the way both with undefeated 50`s 29 May                Northop (H)....lost by one run!!! After bowling well to keep Northop to 115 for 8 (Jack Bunkell 3 for 13), G`ford seemed to be on track to win but lost momemtum in the middle overs and only managed 8 of the required 9 runs off the last over  ( Gareth Bell 29no) 3 June                 Prestatyn (A)....Josh Knowles (40no) and Ross Willets (41no) led G`ford to a competitve 116 for 1. In reply ..and with only 9 men Prest`n were left 25 runs short. Excellent fielding and slow bowling were the feature of this game.....Morris,Thomas, Benson and Willets, well done all. 10 June               Brymbo (H)...rain, no game. 17 June               Rhewl (H)...called off, maybe a bit too early but Rhewl were keen on an early decision! 24 June               St Asaph (A)..game off , St Asaph can`t get a team tonight 1 July                  N Hall (A)....a 70 run win at Castle Cement. David Baker led the way with 26, with useful contributions from Ross Willets (15) and Gareth Bell (14). Batting was`nt easy as demonstrated by Hall`s reply, from 30 for 2 they collapsed to 37 all out. Jack Bunkill`s starring with 4 wks for 5 runs off his 3 overs. 8 July                  Pontblyddyn (H)...a win with 1 ball to go! After fielding for most of the match with just 8 players (NE Wales U15 game over ran), G`ford did well to keep Pont down to just 106 (Gareth Bell 2 for 9 off 3 and Jack Bunkill 1 for 6 off 3 the pick of the bowlers). The reply started slowly until David Bakers positive knock of 34 no with help from Henry Makings  and Ross Willets (both 16) allowed the home side to pass Ponts score in a thrilling finish 15 July                Prestatyn (H).... a comfortable 9 wk win. After restricting the visitors to 108 for 4 with the bowling honours going to Andy Thomas (3 wks for 21), Gresford replied slowly at first to pass Prestatyn`s total for the loss of 1 wk in 16 overs......Jack Bunkill (37) and Rory Benson (41) and a quickfire 16 from Ross Willets 20 July                Northop (A) ....on a wet,slow,difficult pitch G`ford`s innings started slowly eventually to reach 85 after the alloted overs. Only Ross Willets (40no) and Gareth Bell (19) reached double figures. Northop were confident of a win but excellent bowling and fielding saw them struggle to 63 all out....George Morris`s 3 wks for 12 the best figures. After so many close defeats it waso nice to win! 29 July                Brymbo (H)...to be re-arranged due to NE Wales tour to Cardiff .. 5 Aug                  Rhewl (A)....an 80 run win with cam Murdoch and Ross Willets both retiring on 41no. All G`ford fielders then had an over and bowled Rhewl out for just 51! 12 Aug               St Asaph (H)...game conceded by St Asaph 17 Aug               Under 15`s vs Under 13`s.. U13's batted first in this 22 over a side match and reached 105-6.  Craig Evans opened, but Henry was 'Making' all the running with an opening partnership of 38.  Evans then clipped one to Owen Waller fielding at square leg and Henry could only stand and watch at the sublime one handed diving catch by David Baker to dismiss him.  Courageous Curtis with his new bat and J Austin 'powers' to put on a further 43 for the second partnership.  Sam Jones, Jack Powell, Mark Breeze and Tomas Williams all got starts before the overs ran out. Eight bowlers used from the big lads team, Gareth 'on the spot' Bell , Ross 'Willett turn', oh yes rippers, Dave Baker and Owen Waller all bowled economically.  In the wickets on a beautifully prepared grass track by JB that was 'doin a bit' were Matt McCarthy, Andy Thomas (2), George Morris and Josh Knowles. Steve Griffin and James Williams (Second Team management) were patrolling the pitch with notepad and pen at the ready.  "Who are you watching Steve", I asked?  "I'm watching a few here lad", he replied.  Transfer window is still open, who catches his eye, £1m, £2m or £20m, the talented youngsters on show won't be cheap! The big lads team were all were ready primed to do battle after a short warm up of eat as many homemade biscuits as you can.  George Morris and Josh Knowles stride out to the middle and put on 27 creative runs before losing their wickets.  The intention was clear, just go for it, but the tight bowling of James Austin, Kyle F Jones, Curtis, Brindley and Sam Jones made them work for it. Then in came the big hitters, Bell, Willetts, Thomas and bish, bash bosh Baker.  Bell retired not out, then the big wicket of Captain Willetts (20), the young guns were ecstatic. Matt McCarthy was stumped by the lightning reactions of Makings.  Matt was not happy, blame the umpire! but the bat was in the air Matt, honest.  Owen then made a promising start, but had difficulty getting the strike from Baker who was trying to crack the ball to all parts.  Some inspirational field placing to put Kyle at mid wicket / cow corner that provided a display worthy of particular mention; he was outstanding, different class, new level and earned his nickname of 'special K', particularly for his acrobatic stop and throws - a lesson to us all. Kayode, Tomas and Tom all bowled well.  Mark Breeze looked far more comfortable with his spinners than his pick and mix of the last few weeks.  The U15's reached 145 for their overs and ran out winners as the light faded on what was a great game and thoroughly enjoyed by all, played by two teams that have had excellent an season Under 13`s Games are usually played on Thursday evenings 6.00pm start 14 May                Chirk (A).....drizzle and more drizzle, no game 17 May                Montgomery (A).....called off 3days ago, flood!  (Sun)                  (Welsh Cup 1st Round)    ..eventually lost the game on the toss of a coin!         21 May                March/Wxm (A)....We have the 'Makings' of a good side as Henry leads the way with a thirty maximum. Gresford made 93 for their twenty overs on an unresponsive pitch.  However, the home side Marchwiel got the runs with an over to spare to close out the match.  This was not before Craig Evans took two for six runs and Jack Powell bowled his alloted three overs conceding just six runs, Mark Breeze taking the third wicket. 28 May                Brymbo (H)..... Rudy, Rudy, Rudy, Rudy - sweeps 18 runs in Gresfords win again Brymbo, despite practising straight drives for an hour at nets!!  Byrmbo batted first and were all out for 54 off sixteen overs with notable bowling performances thoughout the team, such as Harry Morris with two wickets in his first over.  However, the acolades must go to Craig Evans who took four wickets off four consecutive deliveries. Gresford overcame the total set losing just three wickets.  Mark Breeze showed great composure and carried his bat throughout the Gresford innings - with some straight drives in his repetoire!! 4 June                Gwersyllt (A).....have dropped out of league..no game 11 June               Haw Pk (A)... GCC batted first as the away side and put on a massive 202 - 5 off their twenty overs.  Excellent performances from Henry Makings, Frazer Murdoch, Jack Powell who all retired not out with maximum scores (30+).  They were assisted by a solid knock from Matt Curtis at the top of the order with 22. Hawarden Park managed 71 - 7 in reply from their twenty overs. Tomas Williams, James Williams, James I Jones and Mike Ryan all bowled tightly, but Theo Clarke took two wickets for five runs and Sam Jones took three for eight runs.  For those who thought 'flipper' was a dolphin, then came the spin attack of Breeze, Powell, Curtis, Murdoch and Evans - Monty your place is safe son!!!! 18 June               Pontblyddyn (H) Gresford win the match Curtis..y of Matt the brave.  Having taken a ball on the nose through the helmet grill during the warm up, then wicket keeping, and during the first over batting takes a self inflicted blow to the ancle Matt Curtis retires undefeated on a maximum score. Pont were the visitors to GCC and posted a respectable score of 116 for their 20 overs however, the 43 extras in the innings tells its own story!  Ten bowlers used  but, James Ingleby Jones takes the bowling plaudits with two for four off two, his second being a wicket maiden.  Despite the wides, there was a much sharper fielding display all round, restricting the runs off the bat. Whilst cultured Craig Evans (27) built his innings, couragous Curtis was not hanging around. Sam Jones, Jack Powell and Mike Ryan all picked up runs in the race for the line, assisted greatly by Frazer Murdoch who carried his bat after the fall of the first wicket with an assured unbeaten innings of 18 to see Gresford safely home with two overs to spare. Big thanks to the mums for organising the refreshments ensuring the hospitality was as good as the cricket! 25 June               Llangollen (A).. Gresfords 'dandy lions and Murdoch' beat a spirited Llangollen side in the sunshine.  Gresford batted first and put on 153 off their 20 overs, with all the top order in the runs. Henry Makings (25), Matt Curtis and Craig Evans retiring with maximums, Frazer Murdoch and Jack Powell putting on a quick fire 34 runs (23 & 11 respectively).   Fielding and the ten bowlers used showed week on week improvements, with the Gresford team halving the number of extras from previous outing.  Frazer skittled the openers returning figures of 2 wkts for eight runs off two overs.  Matt Curtis was even meaner with two overs, three runs for one wicket.  However, showing improvement were the efforts of Thomas Williams with two overs for four runs including one maiden and James Williams picking up two wickets for eighteen runs.  Mark Breeze got into the act late on with his death bowling with seven runs off his two overs, with H Makings stumping the seventh Llan batsman in the last over, the home team having reached 102-7. 2 July                  Chirk (H)... Chirpy Chirk go cheap cheap, as Powell and Jones go like the clappers! A young Chirk side were the visitors this week to Clappers Lane Gresford and made 88 batting first.  Eight GCC bowlers used and the wickets were spread between them, Matt Curtis, Jack Powell, Mike Ryan, Matt Brindley, Mark Breeze all bagged one for less than ten runs a piece, but the pick was Craig Evans, who bowled two overs, taking one wicket for one run.  However, the Gresford team put on a much improved fielding display restricting the runs scored from the bat. Gresford then reached the total set loosing just two wickets.  Sam Jones found himself opening the batting and went off like the Gresford Express reaching 28 with five boundaries in quick time before being caught.  Jack Powell then joined him in the middle and cracked six boundaries in his innings before retiring having reached his maximum (33).  James Ingleby Jones and Mathew Brindley put on nine runs each in quick time to see GCC safely home with nine overs to spare. Thanks again to the mums who baked home made biscuits, ensuring the hospitality and spirit of the game was of the highest standards.  Coach, Neil Ellwood was however  accused of trying to slow the opposition down as one Chirk youngster confessed to eating ten biscuits before going out to field!! 9 July                  Mar/ Wxm (H)... Gresford gift wrap game to Mar/Wxm with below par fielding display. Mar/Wxm batted first and notched up 121 off their 20 overs, losing 5 wickets.  GCC started brightly with Matt Curtis removing their opener in his first over; the first time he has been out this season having notched up over 300 runs so far.  Bowling was credible with eight bowlers used thoughout, with the opposition looking to score quickly, Curtiss was the pick taking two wickets for 12 runs off his three overs.  However, the runs conceded through extras and the misfielding accounted for over a third of their total.......... After the break GCC began the recovery with Craig Evans (15), Jack Powell (14) Sam Jones (14) and Mark Breeze (7) getting starts, but the batting performance of the evening goes to Nelson Hughes with 23, which included 4 boundaries.  This wasn't quite enough as we fell seventeen runs short. Guess what we will be doing at nets for the next few weeks!!!!!!!!! 16 July                Brymbo (A)....rain 23 July                Gwersyllt (H).......as above....no game 30 July                Haw Pk (H)... Sentence first - verdict afterwards (Lewis Carroll) A young Hawarden Park side were the visitors to Gresford and with a little help from some friends batted first  putting on  91 off their twenty overs.  Ten bowlers used with Matt Curtis the pick with two for eleven runs.  Other wicket takers were Kyle Frazer-Jones on his debut, Fraser Murdoch and Mike Ryan, as well as James Ingleby Jones'run out wicket following excellent fielding by Jack Powell.  The 'extras' column accounted for thirty four of the total; sentence - fielding practice for life. Following drinks, Gresford batted and James Austin on debut was unlucky with his pull shot to get caught cheaply, but Craig Evans and Frazer Murdoch steadied the ship retiring not out with solid batting perfromances, effectively taking the game away from the opposition.  As the overs ebbed away batsmen following forced the pace 'swinging like a rusty gate', but managed to guide Gresford to victory after fourteen overs.  A strong Breeze affected the game late on with a quickfire 19 runs, Mark Breeze that is! 6 Aug                  Pontblyddyn (A).. Good Evans - Craig gets a five fr!! Gresford batted first and reached a total of 115 from their twenty overs. Henry Makings and Matt (pegleg)Curtis made a good start with 10 and 25 respectively against some excellent bowling by the opposition.  We then had a little wobble losing the next two batsmen without troubling the scorer.  Call for Thunderbird One, Fraser Murdoch in sublime form marched to the crease knocked off 30 with seven boundaries and marched out again undefeated to rapturous applause.  Further contributions from Jack Powell, Mark Breeze (who had a yes, no, yes, no experience in the middle) and Kyle Jones brought the innings to an end.  Concentrate boys this was going to be close, remember the 43 extras we gave them last time! Pont openers started well despite some tight opening overs from Harry Morris.  Do we stick or twist, stop the singles or cover the boundaries.  Their openers put on 45 before the breakthrough.  With turn to burn up steps Craig Evans from the Gresford end (well its the end nearest Gresford on the Pont pitch).  A three wicket maiden in his first over assisted greatly by the sharp glove work of Makings.  In his next over he dispatched two further batsmen with only two runs conceded.  The final wicket in the five was acrobatically caught by Kyle Jones.  Ten bowlers used all of whom kept the extras to a minimum leaving Pont twenty five runs short in a closely contested match. The positive approach of the players and the improved fielding performance were major contributing factors. Congratulations to Kayode Famoriyo who made this seasons debut in this game.  He uses a Newberry Uzi, lists Gym Class Heroes as his favourite group and thinks England will take the ashes by two clear tests - could be a dodgy prediction 13 Aug                Llangollen (H)...conceded by Llan Under 11`s Games are usually played on Mondays  6.00pm start 11 May               Llay (A)....a 19 run win. Top scoring for G`ford were Harry Morris (15) and Sam Cooper (10), Sam went on to take 2 wks for just 5 runs in his man of the match performance. Wil Roberts `6` desrves a mention! 18 May               Gwersyllt (A)....won by 79 runs. Matthew Thompson 21no was the pick of the batsmen with Harry Morris the star bowler, with 3 wks in his final over. 1 June               Bersham (H)......have pulled out of the League (15th May!) 8 June               Mar/Wxm (A)...they called the game off yesterday. Don`t know why. 15 June             Chirk (H)...a 42 run win. Best of the bowlers was Sam Cooper with 2 wks for just 4 runs. He and all the bowlers were well supported in the field with Jac Lloyd and Matthew Thompson particularly impressive. In Chris Mullock G`ford had the batting star of the game..his 30no featured seven boundaries...all the batters however looked good.   22 June             Ruthin (A)... A solid batting performance gave us something to bowl at.  All contributed runs in good partnerships.  Matthew C and Chris M top scored with 8 and 7 respectively.  All contributed to a tight fielding display supporting excellent bowling.  Will R starred with 2-11, and despite not taking any wickets both Harry M and Sam C with figures of 0-2 epitomised the economical bowling.  Well done all in a 24 runs win!! 29 June             Brymbo (H).. A comfortable 32 runs win.  Fielding first, excellent bowling restricted Brymbo to 235.  All bowled an accurate line and length, the pick of the bowlers being Sam Cooper who took 3-16.  Charlie McCluskey also bowled exceptionally well with 2-8.    Man of the match Charlie led the way with an impressive 23, opening the batting with 5 boundaries.  Ben Stubbs, Harry Lewis and Wil Roberts deserve a mention for valuable double figure contributions. 6 July               Llay (H)...in the closest game of the season so far, Gresford scrapped home by just 7 runs. Llay`s batsmen took advantage of some below par bowlinf and fielding but the batsmen did their job with Mullock and Morris the pick of the bunch 13 July             Gwersyllt (H)...thunder storm put paid to this one 20 July             Bersham (A)......no game, see above 27 July             Mar/Wxm (H)... A good 35 run win mainly due to excellent batting.  All partnerships batted superbly losing only 1 wicket all innings.  Matthew Thompson and brother Sam made a tremendous start scoring 24 in the first partnership.  Harry Arnull and Rob Smith kept the scoreboard ticking and then Ryan Williams (7) and Zak Dobie (11) put on 32 in the third partnership.  The final partnership came in needing only 3 to win, and Chris Mullock scored a fantastic 19 well supported by Charlie Macloskey to see Gresford home to a well deserved win.  Well batted all! 3 Aug               Chirk (A)..Chirk inflict Gresfords first defeat of the season by the margin of 48 runs. Batting first, Gresford threatened a competitive total with Chris Mullock and Matthew Thompson scoring double figures. However Gresford lost 7 wickets in the innings to the accurate Chirk bowlers losing 35 crucial runs in the process. In reply, Gresford started enthusiastically, Mullock striking with the first ball of the innings. Harry Morris followed this up with typically accurate bowling, his two overs going for just two runs! Zack Dobie and Sam Thompson, called up from the under 9's also return economical figures. Credit must go to our opponents who lost only 2 wickets and bowled just 7 wides. 10 Aug             Ruthin (H).... An excellent performance based on fantastic fielding that supported brilliant bowling.  Highlight in the field was Charlie Macloskey’s outstanding running-diving catch from mid-wicket.  Both Sam Thompson and Zack Dobie bowled excellent spells; 3-8 and 2-12 respectively.  Requiring 217 to win Gresford batted aggressively with sharp singles taken at every opportunity.  Will Roberts (18), Charlie Macloskey (15) and Harry Morris (14) the top scorers.  A welcome return to winning ways with a 95 run victory. 17 Aug             Brymbo (A)... Gresford won a close contest by 7 runs.  The foundation for the win was set early on by an outstanding opening partnership between Harry Morris (14) and Chris Mullock (12).  Charlie Macloskey made a valuable contribution of 19 at the end of the innings.  Determined fielding and accurate bowling secured the victory- Ryan Williams the pick of the bowlers with 2-10. 6 Sept     NE Wales Regional Final vs Northop Hall Well done to all for a fantastic performance against Northop Hall in the final.  Gresford made a great start bowling first with opening bowler Charlie Macloskey leading the way with 1-5.  Matthew Thompson also took a wicket and excellent fielding by all helped keep Northop Hall down to 278-2.  Gresford batted well in an attempt to chase down the runs with Chris Mullock top scoring with 12.  Charlie scored a good 9 at the top of the innings and a good partnership by Matthew Thompson (6) and Ben Stubbs (9) ensured we were still in with a chance at the end of the innings.  Unfortunately Gresford fell only 7 runs short scoring 271-6.  Well done to all the boys for a successful season. Under 9`s Games are usually played Sundays  10.15 am start 17 May             Pontblyddyn B (A).....after a really positive 4 overs G`ford reached 30 for 1...Jack Cooper and Ethan Roberts in good form...it then rained! 24 May             St Asaph (H)... a big 113 win, with Ryan Williams and Tomas Roberts leading the way with the bat. All the team bowled and fielded well 31 May             Brymbo (H)...a big win for G`ford with all cotributing to the cause....and they really are improving..come and watch on Sunday mornings 7 June              Halkyn (A)..no game due to yesterdays rain.   14 June            Northop (H)...lost, but too a very good side. Without some of our regular players G`ford fell 20 runs short, despite Tom Roberts efforts with the bat (16) and all the bowlers performing well 21 June            Pontblyddyn A (H)....under 9s beat Pont a team by 10runs Ryan Williams scored 24 runs Jack Coopers 2 wkts in 2 balls being the highlight 28 June            Prestatyn (A)...Gresford hit a winning score of 329 in sunny Prestatyn.batting first Jack (Coops)14 and Mike (Jennings)11 got us off to a flying start,then Zak( Dobie)14 and Sam(Postle) 4 carried on the good work....new to the team Rory(?)13 Henry and Ryan 1 and 5,to end the inns Tomos(Roberts) 24 and Sam(Thompson)14....our bowling and fielding was very good, bowling figures ,Rory 3-9,Zak 2-14 and Jack 2-8. all bowlers got wkts. 5 July               Chirk (A)....Gresford batting first scored 310 runs,Zac Dobie scored 17,Jack Coops scored 16 and three players scored 11 who were Micheal Jennings,Sam Thompson and Ryan Mcarthey.All  bowled well,Jack Coops 1-3.Tomas Roberts 1-12 Sam Postle 1-11 and Sam Thompson 1-9 The Chirk coaches said we are the best side they have played against and that we were very good in all departments batting,bowling and fielding,thanks to Chirk for their comments! 12 July             Gwersyllt (H)....in this 10 a side the bowling and fielding of both teams deserves praise. The home sides stronger batting gave them a comfortable victory. 19 July             Llay (H) .. in this top of the table clash the home side gained a narrow 2 run victory thanks in no small part to Cooper (nos 3) and two direct throw runouts from Ryan Williams. 26 July             Northop Hall (A)....rained off

Gresford Cricket Club   Youth Team Report 2008   Performance in all age groups continues to improve. Numbers involved increased yet again and the willingness of all to wok on their cricket skills has been rewarded by excellent team and individual performances. A number of our boys were selected for NE Wales teams, with many more perhaps deserving of the opportunity. Squad sessions for the 2009 season have featured many boys from Gresford…good luck to them all   NE Wales Players  2008   Under 10`s…….Harry Morris Under 12`s…….Fraser Murdoch, Henry Makings Under 13`s…….Gareth Bell, Jack Bunkill, Andrew Thomas, David                          Baker Under 14`s…….Ross Willets, Rory Benson Under 15`s…….Joe Benson   Fraser Murdoch also went on to represent Wales U12`s, reports suggesting that he was the pick of the Welsh bowlers at this age group over the season….well done to Fraser.   NE Wales U13`s featuring three Gresford players were crowned Welsh Champions in the inter-regional competition played in August.   Under 9`s Following the success of the winter introductory sessions held in the Memorial Hall, the under 9`s went from strength to strength both in terms of numbers playing and in the improvement in skills seen over the season. The potential in this group of youngsters is a match for any of the successful older age groups.   Under 11`s This year a talented squad of players acquitted themselves well in the league. Following defeat to Llay in the first game of the season the team completed the remaining games undefeated. Many of the victories were comprehensive. Victory in the return game against Llay would have been enough to win the league but the weather intervened so it was not to be. Highlights of the season were the consistently accurate bowling from all players and the spectacularly belligerent last pair batting performances of Sam Jones and Michael Ryan. Five players have been sent for NE Wales trials this year and we fully expect all to acquit themselves well.   Under 13`s This group of players have continued to improve year on year. In 2008 they were undefeated in their league games and went on to win the N Wales final played at Mochdre against the winners of the Eryri League…in the final they defeated Colwyn Bay by 10 wickets! A feature of this team was their willingness to accept a `rotation` of roles with for example no less than eight different players opening the batting. This policy resulted in seven batsmen scoring a maximum 30no on a least one occasion. A similar success was seen amongst the bowlers!   N Wales Under 13 CHAMPIONS 2008….vs Colwyn Bay  Sept

2008 Season

The youth section continued to thrive with age group teams competing at under 9,11,13 and 15, all in the N E Wales League structure.   The under 9`s lost two of their first three games but went on to win nine games out of the next eleven. This very keen young team showed a great deal of enthusiasm throughout the season and their keenness was rewarded by a very noticeable improvement in their cricket skills.   The under 11`s only played seven league games - a combination of bad weather and other teams not wanting the games - winning all of them, many by a considerable margin. In their last game they entertained Northop in the NE Wales area final only to lose to very strong opponents.   The under 13`s also won all their NE Wales games to finish winners of the Southern Area league. In the play off they lost to Northern Area champions - St Asaph - when they played their only poor game of the season. This team were also runners up in the regional section of the Welsh Cup and for the third year running came away from the Marchweil tournament as Plate winners.   The under 15`s were promoted to Division 1 of the NE Wales competition this year in what proved to be a very strong and competitive league. Although only winning three of the eight games played, many games were lost narrowly and this young side should be congratulated on their performances. In the Welsh Cup the under 15`s lost in the regional final to the eventual cup winners, Northop.

Gresford players represented NE Wales at a variety of age group; Under 15.......Sean Richards Under 14.......Paddy Richards, Joe Benson Under 13.......Ross Willets, Cameron Murdoch, Rory Benson Under 12.......Jack Bunkill, David Baker, Gareth Bell, Andrew Thomas Under 11.......Fraser Murdoch   (Paddy and Gareth also attended Welsh squad training sessions)   Special mention of Fraser should be made....the first player to have made a full Welsh squad for many years.

Finally a big thankyou from all the coaches involved to players of all age groups for the  season`s efforts and also to the parents and families for their support. The Morris`s contributions are worthy of particular praise....best refreshments in the area and without Barbara, youth team matches would be a much duller (ask Rhewl) and cetainly a quieter affair.   End of Season Awards......Player of Season Under 9`s ....Harry Morris Under 11`s...Fraser Murdoch Under 13`s...Ross Willets Under 15`s...Joe Benson Stanley Buxton Trophy....Fraser Murdoch