MENAI Bridge Seconds remain in the North Wales Cricket 2nd XI League Premier Division championship picture after an eight-wicket home win over Llay Welfare.

The visitors were restricted to 113-7 from their allotted 45 overs at the crease, with Joe Howell top scoring with 23 before he was eventually dismissed at the hands of Andrew Wannop.

The same bowler took another wicket in the form of Dave Jones to end the day with figures of 2-22, with Phil Smith also taking a pair of scalps at the expense of 17.

Despite losing Shaun Whiteley early on when he was clean bowled by Joe Howell for a duck, the hosts got over the line with minimal fuss thanks in no small part to another sensational knock from teenager Josh Massey.

The Welsh youth international continued his exceptional campaign with an unbeaten 56 that included 11 boundaries, with fellow Rydal Penrhos School pupil Sam Bixby (7*) also there at the end as Bridge reached their required target for the loss of two wickets after 17 overs in the middle.

Smith also aided his side’s cause considerably with an accomplished 37 but was superbly caught and bowled by Jones to deny him a half century.

Bridge now find themselves 25 points behind title favourites Gresford having played a game more than their rivals, with Bangor a further 21 points back in third spot.