LLANRWST now sit just one spot off the North Wales Cricket League Division One drop zone after a 77-run home defeat to Pontblyddyn.

The home side made a strong start to their time in the field when Jack Hughes removed dangerous opener Ben Mason for five, while Richard Davies was sent back to the pavilion by a stunning caught and bowled at the hands of Alwyn Williams on 21.

This provoked a strong response from the visitors, with Alistair Roberts and David Foulkes putting them in a commanding position with stylish knocks of 68 and 43 respectively.

Skipper James French (25) and Chris Myles (22) also came up with valuable runs, while Williams was the pick of the Rwsters’ bowling attack with figures of 3-41 as the away side set a target of 237-8 from their 50 overs at the crease.

Despite losing Trefor Williams for 11 early on, Aron Hughes (28) and Nathen Jones (33) got them off to a positive start before the middle order was decimated at the hands of James Birch and Ryan White.

This proved to be the difference between the two sides, and although Alex Evans (26) and Chris Nicholson (22) made things interesting in the closing stages, it proved to be all for nothing as the hosts were skittled for 160 in reply.

The pre-season title hopefuls are next in action on July 7 when they travel to Llay Welfare.