TITLE hopefuls Menai Bridge extended their unbeaten start to the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division season with a six-wicket home victory over Denbigh.

The early pacesetters produced another exceptional performance to remain clear of nearest rivals St Asaph at the summit, and Dion Holden’s men will look to increase their 16-point advantage when they travel to newly promoted Pwllheli on Saturday.

The visitors made an encouraging start to their time in the middle until Gerallt Lyall played a Holden delivery into the hands of wicketkeeper Jack Gower after making 37.

Sam Lewis also aided his side’s cause with a 32 knock before he was ousted by Gerallt Roberts, and Holden was on hand yet again to dispose of Tom Schrimshaw after he contributed 30 to the scoreboard.

Skipper Harrison Jones proved a much sterner proposition to remove from the crease, with the opener turning in an innings of genuine quality until he was sent back to the pavilion by Holden on 104 from 112 deliveries.

This left the Bridge captain with figures of 3-50 from a 12-over spell, with Gethin Roberts helping himself to two lower order wickets at the expense of 24 runs as the away side finished their allotted 50 overs on 223-7.

Things got off to the worst possible start during Bridge’s run chase as opener Luke Jones was clean bowled by Andy Clarke after contributing just three, but Holden steadied the ship with a promising 33 that included six boundaries.

Gower was in even better form throughout, and he recorded a sensational century before he was skittled by Jones on a 19-boundary 106.

This proved to be the difference between the two sides, and Arwel Thomas was in sublime form at the other end until he played a Stuart Griffiths delivery to brother Jack on 52 as the home side reached their required total for the loss of four wickets with four overs to spare.