MENAI Bridge began their North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title charge with a resounding 184-run home success over Northop.

The championship contenders made light work of their opening day encounter with the newly promoted side, and Dion Holden’s men go in search of consecutive wins this Saturday when they travel to Gresford.

The hosts made an extremely positive start to their time at the crease thanks to an 83-run opening partnership from Luke Jones and Jack Gower, who made 51 and 92 before they were ousted by Mohammad Khan and Mark Poynton.

Their cause was aided further by the knock of Holden, who hit the ground running with a series of eye-catching strokes on his way to a stunning century knock of 101.

Poynton finally claimed the scalp of the captain with a fine delivery, and he also disposed of Arwel Thomas (9) on his way to figures of 3-69 as the home side set an imposing target of 292-5 from their 50 overs.

Bridge bowler Ashley Morris took the prized wicket of Harry Lewis early on when he skittled him on eight, and he also ran out Matthew Williams (10), clean bowled Khan (13) and trapped Darren Williams lbw on 38 during a superb opening to his time in the field which ended with figures of 4-34 from 12 overs.

Gerallt Roberts was equally as effective at the other end, taking out Tom Blackwell (4), Ben Beaver (8), B Beswick (5) and Mark Poynton (0) to finish on 4-24 from his nine-over spell.

Overseas player Patrick Glover also marked his debut with a wicket as the away side were all out for 108 to seal their fate.