MOCHDRE were unable to derail Menai Bridge’s exceptional start to the summer in a 46-run reverse on home soil.

The North Wales Cricket League Group A side had no answer to the performance of Bridge batsman Luke Jones, who produced a sensational century knock to guide his side to success.

Jones made his intentions clear from the outset, smashing no fewer than 15 boundaries before he was eventually run out by Scott Brown after making 111 from as many balls.

The home side did make a good start when wicketkeeper-opener Jack Gower (16) and Carl Jones (9) were both ousted cheaply at the hands of Owen Davies and Mike Humphreys.

Bridge skipper Gethin Jones was another who made a lasting contribution at the crease, making 47 before he became Humphreys’ second victim of the day just three runs shy of his half-century.

Unbeaten double-figures scores from Robbie Jones (12*) and Callum Andrews (18*) enabled them to finish their allotted 40 overs on 232-4, which was revised to 181 from 28 overs following a rain delay.

The hosts were given a mountain to climb early on when Stewart Williams (19), Owen Davies (11) and Sam Davies (12) failed to make inroads into their target, and skipper Matty Humphreys was also out cheaply at the hands of Gerallt Roberts on two.

Things picked up for Mochdre courtesy of wicketkeeper James French and Alex Davies, but the former was removed by Phil Smith on 36 after a crucial period of the innings.

French eventually finished the day unbeaten on 38, but it was not enough to get the home side over the line as they ended their time in the middle on 134-6.

Roberts and Smith were the pick of the Bridge bowling attack, both claiming two wickets apiece.