The match, played between St Asaph and Northop, reached boiling point after St Asaph opening batsman Matt Ryan’s dismissal.

[caption id=”attachment_81732″ align=”alignnone” width=”620″] The brawl overshadowed the result. Picture: Phil Micheu[/caption]

Ryan’s decision not to walk after edging the ball angered a fielder. He was eventually give out by the umpires after scoring 36.

Words were exchanged between players before the verbal confrontation became physical. This led to a spat between two players which resulted in the batsman’s helmet being knocked off in a headlock before any members of the fielding side were able to intervene.

An eyewitness told the Rhyl Journal: “It was certainly cricket with a difference. I’ve never seen anything like it. The crowd were amazed.”

[caption id=”attachment_81731″ align=”alignnone” width=”620″] Northop ended up winning the match by one wicket. Picture: Phil Micheu[/caption]

The Northop team manager Dale Harley and St Asaph first-team captain William Ryan have declined to comment, but the incident is said to have been reported to league officials.

Leader Live says the matter should be resolved within the next three weeks, with North Wales Cricket League treasurer Richard Penny stating: “The North Wales Cricket League management committee are aware of reports of an incident in the St Asaph versus Northop match.

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“No comment will be made until such time as reports from the panel umpires are received by the nominated members of the committee and any required process for breached of league rules have run their course.”

The incident overshadowed a dramatic game that saw Northop edge home by one wicket.