MENAI Bridge have set their stall out early as they look to get their hands back on the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title.

The pre-season championship contenders have emerged as the clear favourites to wrestle the crown from nearby rivals Bangor, and have produced a number of exceptional performances so far to claim a 100 per cent record from their first few fixtures.

Had it not been for a two cancellations due to the weather, their 16-point cushion at the summit would be far greater, and Bridge have already beaten other contenders for the crown in Brymbo, Llandudno, Bangor and St Asaph during the opening exchanges of the campaign.

This will give skipper Dion Holden a tremendous amount of encouragement for the remainder of the season, and the captain has once again led by example with both bat and ball in what has been an outstanding start from a personal perspective.

The former Glamorgan Academy product has amassed 217 runs at an average of 36 from his six appearances at the crease, and he has also proved to be a valuable weapon with the ball in his hand en route to six wickets at an average of just five.

Opener Luke Jones has also been one of their standout performers with the bat and is averaging an impressive 47, while Gethin Roberts is another hugely influential all-rounder operating within the squad that has made an exceptional contribution.

He has produced a number of impressive knocks at an average of 51, and his nine wickets at the expense of 13 is further evidence of his importance in relation to Bridge’s chances of sealing the championship.

Jack Gower (40) is another that is capable of putting up big numbers at any given opportunity, and together with their scintillating bowling attack there appear to be no weaknesses within the squad that can possibly be exploited.

Gerallt Roberts is a formidable presence with the new ball in his hands, and he is currently the leading wicket taker throughout the division with 21 at a strike rate of 14 and an average of just 6.8 after a mesmerising start to proceedings this term.

Roberts is far from a one-man show for Bridge, who have also seen the likes of overseas player Patrick Glover and Ashley Wood take some important wickets at crucial moments, and their performance in the field has also been ruthlessly efficient throughout that has stood them in good stead.

There is a long way to go, of course, and the likes of Bangor, St Asaph, Llandudno and Denbigh have all hit some form in recent weeks that is sure to be the top of the table very interesting once again, but there is no denying that is going to take a monumental ask from one of those parties to prevent Bridge from maintaining their presence at the summit and ending the campaign with some silverware.