MENAI Bridge extended their unbeaten start to the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division season with a convincing 156-run success at Hawarden Park.

The league leaders wasted no time in sealing their seventh victory of the campaign so far, with only two cancellations preventing them from holding a more significant lead at the summit.

Dion Holden’s men are currently 17 points clear of nearest challengers St Asaph as they prepare to entertain a dangerous Denbigh side on Saturday.

The visitors made an indifferent start when wicketkeeper Jack Gower was despatched by Craig Wilson for 19, and fellow opener Luke Jones made 21 before he was caught off a Campbell Marr delivery.

Things begun to look brighter thanks to knocks of 47 and 39 from Holden and Robbie Jones, while Gethin Long (28) and Gethin Roberts (34) also produced promising scores during a critical period for the middle order.

Another valuable contribution came from the last partnership of Andy Skeoch (20*) and Dion Owens (10*) as the away side set an imposing target of 245-7 from 46 overs at the crease.

Wilson was the pick of the Park bowlers, helping himself to three wickets for the loss of 55 runs, but their run chase got off to the worst possible start when James Rowlands was skittled by Patrick Glover after making just nine.

Gethin Roberts then continued his fine form with new ball with the quick-fire wickets of David Hughes (21) and Marr (10), and Holden also aided his side’s cause considerably by taking out Jo Forde (8), Wilson (0), Tom Ducker (22) and Stuart Green (1) to end a superb seven-over spell on 4-18.

This proved to be the difference between the two sides, and Gerallt Roberts also secured 3-17 as the hosts mustered just 89 all out in reply.