A SUPERB partnership from Stewart Williams and Steve Smith moved Mochdre to within three points of the North Wales Cricket League Division One summit after a nine-wicket home triumph over Mold.

The hosts restricted their opponents to 217-6 from their allotted 50 overs, with Richard Crane and Rich Deniz producing fine knocks to end the day on 74 and 50 not out respectively.

Williams was the pick of the bowlers, helping himself to four wickets for the loss of 32 runs, with Joe Chaplin and Russ Boswell both claiming a scalp apiece to aide their side’s time in the field.

The opening batsmen ensured that the home side reached their target in convincing fashion, with Williams smashing 21 boundaries on his way to a sublime century knock of 104 before he was eventually clean bowled by Deniz.

He was helped considerably at the other end by Smith, who was a resolute presence throughout and finished his exceptional time at the crease unbeaten on 93, which included 10 boundaries off 146 deliveries.

Skipper Matty Humphreys was on hand to see the game out and give the promotion hopefuls their fifth consecutive victory after 46 overs of play, and they will look to move to the top of the standings next Saturday if the in-form side manage to win at league leaders Bethesda.