BETHESDA remain on the North Wales Cricket League Division One summit thanks to an impressive seven-wicket victory at Bersham.

Gareth Jones got the visitors off to a flyer in the field with the prized wicket of Nuwan Amarakoon for seven, while Richard Lee Williams removed skipper Suresh Koswaththage (32) and Amith Thilakarathne (38) when both threatened to post big scores.

The same bowler was also on hand to clean bowl top scorer Rishan Fernando on 71 during a critical stage of the innings to finish on 3-37, and Kevin Evans also got in on the act with three scalps of his own late on at the expense of 48 as the hosts posted a total of 198 all out from 48 overs at the crease.

Pesda’s ruin chase got off to a good start thanks to knock of 20 and 54 from captain Jonathan Williams and Matty Harrington, while opening batsman Jez Shea remained a constant and threatening presence throughout to end the day unbeaten on 54 from 132 deliveries.

Another valuable contribution came from wicketkeeper Nicholas Parry, who was caught off a Fernando strike two short of his half century, while Ioan Roberts finished on 15 not out as the away side reached their target for the loss of three wickets after 42 overs of play.

Williams’ side now enjoy a 17-point cushion over Mochdre having played a game more than their title rivals, with the pair set to do battle in a pivotal early season clash on June 16.