COLWYN Bay suffered two narrow losses in league and cup action during a busy weekend for the club.

Sion Morris’ men began with a 22-run loss to Liverpool and District Cricket League Premier Division leaders Northern despite a spirited display, and they also crashed out of the Welsh Cup thanks to a five-run defeat at the hands of Brymbo.

Saturday’s clash saw the home side declare after posting 239-6 from 52 overs at the crease, with an unbeaten century knock of 110 from opener Hayden McCrae featuring a number of eye-catching strokes.

Other scores of note came from Chris Brownlow and Liam Grey, who hit 48 and 27 respectively, while Ryan Holtby continued his fine recent form with three wickets for the loss of 94 runs.

Veteran spinner Paul Jenkins finished with figures of 2-91 from a mammoth 21 overs, but their run chase began poorly as the dangerous duo of Dimeth Hewathanthree (0) and Zack Gidlow were both dismissed in quick succession.

Pat Leach provided some resistance with a knock of 24, and things got even more promising as George Johansen (49) and Mike Littler (41) also came up with valuable runs during the middle order before being removed at a crucial stage of the contest as the away side mustered 217 in reply.

Things did not improve in their cup clash despite the visitors being restricted to 175-9 from their 40 overs, with skipper James Claybrook leading the way with a stylish 52.

Johansen was the pick of the Bay bowling attacking, scooping a five-wicket haul at the expense of 28 runs.

Leach (48) and Gidlow (18) put the hosts in a promising position early on, but the top and middle order did not back them up and failed to claim double-figures as talented youngster Connor Davies ended with figures of 4-22.

An unbeaten 34 from Holtby in the closing stages put them within touching distance of reaching their target, but they were unable to progress and made 170-9 in defeat.

Bay will be hoping for better fortune next Saturday when they entertain Rainhill at Penrhyn Avenue.