MOCHDRE’s good run of recent form came to an end as they suffered a three-wicket loss at North Wales Cricket League Division One leaders Bethesda.

The in-form side were unable to claim a notable victory that would have seen them move to the top of the standings, and Matty Humphreys’ side are now ten points off the summit ahead of their trip to Llay Welfare on Saturday.

The visitors made a moderate start with the bat when Stewart Williams was trapped lbw by Kevin Evans on 15, while Humphreys and James French were both ousted by Carwyn Williams after contributing 22 and one respectively.

Opener Steve Smith fared far better and produced a fantastic ten-boundary knock of 53 until he was dismissed by Sean Buchanan, who also claimed the wickets of Thomas Opie (1) and Adam Buckley (29) on his way to figures of 3-38 from eight overs.

An unbeaten 29 from Gareth Davies also made a valuable contribution to the scoreboard as the visitors posted a target of 171-6 from their reduced 35 overs at the crease.

The home run chase got off to a bad start when Williams was clean bowled by Kyle Brown after making five, but promising scores from Jez Shea (29), captain Jonathan Williams (23) and wicketkeeper Nicholas Parry (39) got them back on track soon after.

Kyle Brown did his best to disrupt the Pesda batsmen throughout and ended the day with four wickets for the loss of 44 runs, but a sensational 59 not out from the talented Matthew Harrington proved to be the difference between the two sides as the hosts reached their mark with just four balls to spare.