MENAI Bridge got their North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title defence underway with a dramatic four-run home win over Gresford.

Both sides posted formidable totals in a run-fest to open their respective campaigns, but the visitors were unable to claim the necessary score needed off the final ball to give Bridge a notable victory.

Dion Holden’s men travel to a fancied Brymbo side this Saturday in their first away fixture.

Despite losing James Jones and Jack Gower early in the innings for three and 25 respectively, a standout partnership from Holden and overseas star Sean O’Callaghan put the hosts in the ascendancy with a 153-run stand for the third wicket.

O’Callaghan demonstrated his talent with 14 boundaries before he was eventually removed by Chris Ellwood on 86, with Holden producing a magical knock until he was caught off a Daniel Williams ball for 114.

Other double figure scores came from Robbie Jones (25) and Dion Owen (13) as they ended their 50 overs in the middle with an exceptional total of 323-7.

A strong start from the away side saw them put on 75 for the first wicket until Matt Thompson was clean bowled by Liam Bibby on 35, but another impressive partnership from Sam Thompson (77) and Matthew Cree (66) put Gresford right in the mix before they were dismissed by Holden and O’Callaghan.

Ellwood was also in dominant form as he contributed 67 to the cause, but a frantic end to the contest saw the visitors fall agonisingly short as they made 319-8 in reply.

Bibby was the pick of the Bridge bowlers, taking three scalps at the expense of 79 runs, with Holden finishing on 2-66.

Bridge’s second unit were not as luck as they were beaten by seven wickets at Gresford.