BETHESDA remain at the North Wales Cricket League Division One summit despite falling to an eight-wicket home loss to Pontblyddyn.

The hosts made a difficult start to their time in the middle when openers Dewi Roberts (9) and Jez Shea (6) were both ousted by James Hughes, and Matthew Harrington made just 19 before he was dismissed by Kevin Owen.

Matthew Buchanan (0), skipper Jonathan Williams (14), Gavin Owen (8) and Andrew Day (18) all failed to contribute significantly in the middle order, but wicketkeeper Nicholas Parry remained a constant presence throughout on his way to a 11-boundary score of 69.

Hughes was the pick of the visiting bowlers, helping himself to four wickets for the loss of 46 runs as Pesda were all out for 165 after using all but one ball of their allotted overs at the crease.

The away side made a bright start to their innings until Alistair Roberts was caught and bowled by Richard Lee Williams, but fellow opener Ben Mason all-but sealed the victory with a half century knock before falling to the same bowler (2-35).

Things did not get any better for the home side thanks to a solid stand from David Foulkes and Hughes, who both finished the day unbeaten on 33 as they reached their required total for the loss of two wickets with 11 overs to spare.

The result leaves Williams’ men nine points clear of Bersham with a game in hand ahead of their trip to Mold on Saturday.