A STANDOUT effort from Paul Jenkins was not enough to prevent Colwyn Bay from suffering a narrow two-wicket loss at Rainhill.

The talented spin bowler was at the top of his game throughout but was unable to get his side over the line, and Sion Morris’ side go in search of their first Liverpool and District Cricket League Premier Division win of the season when they entertain Leigh on Saturday.

Ryan Holtby managed to remove the stubborn home opening pair of David Atkinson and Tyler McGladdery for 28 and 54, before Jenkins took over proceedings with a sensational spell of consistent bowling.

He secured the scalps of Matty Fletcher (57), Ross Higham (0), Mike Rotheram (39) and Paul Ford (16), while he also removed skipper Ben Edmundson for nine on his way to outstanding figures of 5-81 from a mammoth 23 overs.

Jenkins was aided at the other end by Holty, who took another wicket in the form of Ashan Daluwattage (0) to take his total to 3-67 as the home side declared on 228-8 from 55 overs.

The Bay run chase got off to a moderate start when Zak Gidlow and Mike Littler both made a contribution of 20, but overseas star Dineth Hewathanthree lasted just one delivery when he was caught and bowled by Atkinson for a golden duck.

Atkinson also took the prized wickets of Morris (6) and Shaun Davies (15) cheaply, while also disposing of Max Jones (0) and Danny Davies (1) to end his 20-over spell on 6-51.

This proved to be the difference between the two side, and despite an impressive knock of 36 from Jenkins, the visitors mustered just 165 all out in reply.

There was better fortune for Bay’s second unit, who fought hard to secure a home draw with Newton-le-Willows.