A DISMAL batting display condemned Colwyn Bay to a 151-run reverse at Liverpool and District Cricket League Premier Division rivals Lytham.

The struggling side are now level on points with second-from-bottom Rainford in their battle to avoid the drop, and Sion Morris men face another difficult task this weekend when they entertain third-placed Formby at Penrhyn Avenue on Saturday.

Gareth Goodson got the visitors off to a good start with the new ball after taking out the dangerous duo of Taylor Cornall and Steven Croft for 13 and 26, with Ryan Holtby trapping Tom Jefferson lbw on 23.

The impressive Jamie Moorhouse then took over proceedings with an outstanding spell that saw him remove Matt Shawcross (11), Matthew Stevenson (4), Matty Taffe (4) and Jack Saunders (4) on his way to figures of 4-45, but sublime knocks of 58 and 60 not out from Josh Holden and skipper Ben Saunders ensured the home side declared on 220-8 from 58 overs in the middle.

Bay’s run chase began in disastrous fashion when Zack Gidlow was caught off a Holden delivery for a duck, and Ben Saunders decimated the top order with the wickets of Pat Leach (2), Morris (4) and George Johansen (9) to give the away side a mountain to climb.

Mike Littler fared no better and became Jack Saunders’ latest victim after contributing just four, and the same bowler also despatched Paul Jenkins (4) and Holtby (0) to end the day on 3-27 from a seven-over spell.

Overseas star Dimeth Hewathanthree provided some resistance but was caught off a Croft delivery on 33, and this proved to be telling as the visitors mustered 69 all out in reply.