Cricket: Flintshire in form for North Wales Inter-Counties Colts Championship opener

Jun 18 2009 by Paul Wheelock, Flintshire Chronicle

FLINTSHIRE manager Steve Hurlin will field a strong side in their North Wales Inter-Counties Colts Championship opener against Gwynedd on Sunday.

Desperate to better the second-placed finish they achieved last season, a number of Hurlin’s boys are in fine form ahead of the clash at Bethesda’s Park Villa ground.

Not least Steve’s son, captain James Hurlin, who has firmly established himself as Hawarden Park’s opening bat this season. Another batsman in fine form is Northop Hall’s Michael Barnes.

Barnes will be joined in the starting XI on Sunday by Hall clubmates Mike Littler, Ali Roberts, Josh Smith, Gavin Fox and Will Higginson.

Northop’s Jonathon Haupfleisch and Prestatyn’s Rhys Nash are also definite starters.

North East Wales held on for a narrow five-run victory at home to Eryri in the Welsh Under 11s Inter-Regional Championship at Prestatyn’s Bastion Road.

Led by Northop’s Scott Oates (42), Brymbo’s Luke Filer (22), Pontblyddyn’s Gethin Thomas (22) and Llay’s Jacob Roberts (16no), the hosts put on 168-8 before restricting Eryri to 163-8 (Filer 4-15) from their 40 overs.