CHAMPIONS Menai Bridge kept the heat on North Wales Premier Division leaders Llandudno with a six wicket win at Connah’s Quay.

There are now just seven separating Robbie Jones’ side and the long-time leaders, and Bridge will have an eye on Tudno’s clash with Llanrwst as they have a week off. The home side made a poor start after electing to bat when the in-form Mitchell Van Wyk was run out by Luke Jones for 10, and there was further cause for celebration when Zach Ringrose removed captain Ryan Holloway for seven. Dion Holden got in on the act by ousting David Fox after just six runs, but the partnership of Martin Burger and Darren Jones levelled the playing field at a crucial time in the contest. Both batsmen reached their half centuries before Burger (61) and Jones (64) were sent back to the pavilion by Gerallt Roberts and Holden. Further scores of note from wicketkeeper Mark Fitch (33), together with an unbeaten 41 from Luke Bennett ensured the home side set an imposing target of 235-6 from their 50 overs. Despite losing Ringrose early on after he was clean bowled by Bennett for one, a masterful 50 from Jack Gower stamped Bridge’s authority on proceedings before he became Van Wyk’s first victim of the afternoon. Arwel Thomas and Holden managed to contribute 22 and 32 respectively, but it was the knock from the visiting skipper that proved to be the difference between the two sides. Jones wasted no time in smashing an unbeaten 86, and Gethin Roberts’ 17no meant they got over the line for the loss of four wickets with just three balls to spare.