LLANDUDNO kept their hopes of securing the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title alive with a seven-wicket victory at relegated Chirk.

The Lions produced an accomplished display on both sides of the ball to lead them to a comfortable success, and they are now 26 points behind leaders Menai Bridge with four games to play ahead of their trip to surprise package Pwllheli on Saturday.

Jamie Grimshaw made a telling contribution with the new ball by removing Luke Gardener and Shaun Walker for a pair of ducks, and he followed this up with the prized scalp of James Carter for 15 on his way to figures of 3-51 from a 12-over spell.

Another notable contributor with the ball was teenage sensation Matthew Jones, who sent Wynn Jones (36) and Ollie Gough (4) back to the pavilion to end the day on 2-38, and the all-rounder also ran out Nicholas Flack on one to further aid his side’s cause.

The home resistance came from Stevie Kelshaw, who produced a fine knock of 56 before he was caught off a Danial Evans delivery, and Tom Thornton claimed three lower order wickets at the expense of 29 runs as the hosts were skittled for 152 after 49 overs at the crease.

Despite losing Jones (19) early on when he played a Flack ball into the hands of Carter, impressive displays from Evans and Sam Rimmington ensured the visitors reached their required target with minimal fuss with 20 overs to spare.

Evans turned in a number of outstanding strokes on his way to 53, and Rimmington fell one short of his half century after he was caught off a Luke Gardener delivery.

Wicketkeeper Keegan Armstrong also remained resolute and finish the day unbeaten on 22 for the title challengers.