A BATTING collapse resulted in Colwyn Bay suffering a heavy 195-run reverse at Liverpool and District Cricket League title hopefuls Ormskirk.

It was a difficult opening day from start-to-finish for Sion Morris’ men, who have the chance to put things right on home soil when they welcome Wallasey to Penrhyn Avenue on Saturday.

The visitors made a strong start to their time in the field thanks to seamer Ryan Holtby, who despatched the opening pair of Andy Baybutt and Alex Rankin for 13 and 27 respectively.

This joy proved to be short lived as the hosts responded well due to a fantastic partnership from Josh Bohannon and wicketkeeper George Lavelle, who put on 160 for the third wicket on their way to scores of 85 and 83.

Gary Knight also contributed with an unbeaten 23, while Bay bowler Holtby claimed a further two wickets to end the day on 4-67 off 16 overs as the home side declared on 252-5 from 45.

Bay’s run chase got off to the worst possible start when Morris (6), Mike Littler (15) and George Johansen (7) all went cheaply, while the dangerous duo of Adam Campion and Will Higginson mustered just two and four before they were both removed by Ryan Maddock (4-19).

New signings from Conwy Shaun Davies and Daniel Davies struggled to make an impact and were out for a combined nine runs, and their struggles transcended to the lower order as Holtby (0), Huw Roberts (4) and Jamie Moorhouse (0) all failed to make it into double figures.

This resulted in the visitors mustering just 57 all out in reply, with Scott Lees and Alex Mason picking up two wickets apiece for the loss of ten runs.

There was better fortune for the second team, who came away with a 21-run victory over Rainford thanks to the efforts of James Jones and Josh Grant, who managed to claim eight wickets between them in the triumph.