A POOR batting display was the catalyst behind Mochdre’s disappointing nine-wicket loss at Bersham.

The North Wales Cricket League Division One promotion candidates lost the opening partnership of skipper Stewart Williams (2) and wicketkeeper Mike Humphreys (0) early on, and the wickets continued to tumble at a rapid rate throughout the innings.

The only positive performance at the crease came from James French, who hit 45, but only Thomas Opie (21), Russ Boswell (12) and Matty Humphreys managed to make it into double figures as the visitors set a target of 109 all out from 32 overs.

Randheer Bandara was the pick of the home bowling attacking, helping himself to four wickets from his seven overs for the loss of 28 runs.

A superb opening partnership from captain Suresh Koswaththage and Nuwan Amarakoon ensured the hosts managed to reach their target with minimal fuss, with the pair putting on 106 for the only wicket of the game for the away side, which came courtesy of Lee Jackson.

Williams’ side have a big double-header on the horizon this weekend, where they host Llanrwst on Saturday before travelling to Denbigh in the Welsh Cup on Sunday.