MENAI Bridge took another huge step towards the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title thanks to a 181-run home win over Connah’s Quay.

The long-time leaders turned in another accomplished display to leave them 26 points clear of Llandudno with four games remaining, and they will look to further tighten their grip on the championship at Brymbo this Saturday.

Despite losing Jack Gower and Arwel Thomas early on for a duck and 19, Bridge posted a formidable total, thanks in no small part to a sensational knock from opener Luke Jones.

The talented batsman was at his brilliant best on his way to an outstanding 96, but he was trapped lbw by Darren Leach just four short of his century.

He was aided at the other end by Robbie Jones, who managed to secure 51 before he was caught off a Matthew Redinger delivery, with stand-in skipper Gethin Roberts and Ed Gadsby producing significant double-figure scores of 49 and 30 to ensure the hosts set a target of 283-7 from their 50 overs in the middle.

Overseas player Patrick Glover made a fine impact with the new ball by disposing of Redinger (0) and captain Martin Burger (4) early on, with Gerallt Roberts taking the prized wicket of wicketkeeper Darren Jones for a five-boundary 26.

The same bowler was on hand to dismiss Leach for two to finish with figures of 2-22, with Ashley Wood also helping himself to a pair of scalps for the loss of 20 runs as the away side mustered 102 in reply.

There was further cause for celebration as Bridge’s second unit managed to seal a seven-wicket triumph at North Wales Cricket 2nd XI League Premier Division rivals Hawarden Park.

Matthew Jones finished with figures of 3-26 to lead the way from a bowling perspective, with Phil Smith the pick of the visiting batsmen with a stylish 48 to lead his side to glory.