MENAI Bridge lost ground at the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division summit after a dramatic one-wicket home loss at the hands of Mochdre.

The defending champions fell to the narrowest of reverses against the newly promoted side, which they secured by claiming the necessary runs needed off the final delivery.

The loss leaves Bridge sitting in fourth spot and 13 points behind pacesetters Bangor ahead of their trip to Pwllheli on Saturday.

Gareth Goodson got the visitors off to a good start with the early wicket of Jack Gower for two, and Kyle Brown took the prized scalp of Sean O’Callaghan (19) to further enhance their prospects early on.

This was followed by a strong partnership from opener Luke Jones and Gethin Long before the latter was removed by Matty Humphreys two shy of his half century, with Jones faring far better until he was clean bowled by Goodson on 93.

Only Carl Jones (18) managed to make it into double-figures for Bridge thereafter as they were all out for 216 from 48 overs at the crease.

Goodson, Kyle Brown and Russ Boswell all claimed three wickets apiece for the away side at the combined expense of 134 runs.

A good start with the bat saw Goodson (11), Humphreys (25) and Alex Davies (25) all post good scores for the away side, and things looked even more promising when Stewart Williams contributed 42 before he was caught off an O’Callaghan strike.

Wicketkeeper James French also produced an innings of genuine quality on his way to 52, but a dramatic conclusion was assured when Liam Bibby disposed of Finlay Jones (0) and Gareth Davies (14) on his way to figures of 3-56.

Boswell and Brown were there at the end and managed to hold their nerve to ensure victory at the death as they ended their allotted 50 overs on 217-9 despite the effort of O’Callaghan, who finished on 3-39.