DOLGELLAU moved into second spot in the North Wales Cricket League Division One standings with a narrow two-run home victory over Llay Welfare.

The hosts set a modest total of 160-8 from their 50 over in the middle, with opener Greg Smithies leading the way with a superb knock of 49 from 89 deliveries.

Another impressive effort came from Phil Leeds, who hit three boundaries on his way to an unbeaten 43 from 58 balls, but only Mark Edmondson (14) made it into double figures throughout the remainder of the innings to leave things all to play for at the halfway stage of the contest.

David Phennah led the way from the away side’s bowling attack, claiming three wickets for the loss of 39 runs from an 11-over spell, with Nathan Humphreys claiming a pair of scalps at the expense of 28.

The visitors came within touching distance of pulling off an upset but were unable to claim the necessary runs required from the final over in what turned out to be a frantic finish to the contest.

Chris Woodcock and Jack Parry led the way with knocks of 43 and 30 respectively, and wicketkeeper John Lloyd was superbly run out by Leeds after making a patient 19 from 43 balls.

An exceptional bowling performance from Smithies saw him come away with three wickets for the loss of 32 runs to further aid his side’s cause, and Dolgellau will look to continue their superb season to date when they entertain Carmel and District on Saturday.