A POOR batting display condemned Bethesda to a 135-run home loss to Gwersyllt Park.

The North Wales Cricket League Division One side were no match for a powerful batting performance from the away side, who set a target of 239-4 from their reduced 40 overs.

Skipper Jake James led the way with an outstanding unbeaten 78 from just 41 deliveries, with other half-century scores coming from Dominic Mitchell and Scott Watkins, who hit 67 and 55 respectively.

Lewis Cole added 22 to the score board late on to give Pesda a big mountain to climb as conditions favoured the bowlers during the afternoon.

Opener Carwyn Williams tried to make things interesting on his way to an excellent 62 from 43 deliveries, but he ran out of partners at the other end of the crease to leave the home side all out for 104 in reply.

The only other notable contribution came from wicketkeeper Nicholas Parry, who made 25, and Pesda will look to get back to winning ways during their trip to Mold on Saturday.