COLWYN Bay suffered their first loss of the Liverpool and District Competition Premier Division season thanks to a seven-wicket reverse at New Brighton.

The Penrhyn Avenue side posted a moderate target and fell foul of a standout knock from home skipper Mark Rowland in their loss, with Sion Morris’ side next in action this Saturday when they welcome Formby.

Things did not begin well for the visitors as Louis Botes dismissed Ryan Westwell for a duck, with the same bowler also disposing of Zack Gidlow after the opener made a promising 21.

George Johansen kept the scoreboard ticking over the 24 until he was skittled by Mark Hale, who also added overseas star Saliya Saman (3) to his list of victims to end his spell on 2-36.

The Bay resistance came from Will Higginson and Morris, who made 41 and 25 respectively before both were removed from the crease by Ashraf Nawab in quick succession.

Adam Campion (2) and Mike Littler (5) were also out cheaply as the away side were all out for 143 from 45 overs in the middle.

Bay’s time in the field began brightly thanks to a standout bowling spell from Campion, who despatched Dan Cooke (30), David White (0) and Leo Carter (6) to end the day on 3-57, but Rowland’s exceptional display ensured the home side reached their required total with ease.

The opener hit no fewer than 19 boundaries on his way to an unbeaten 106, enabling his side to seal victory after 23 overs at the crease.

Colwyn Bay’s second unit suffered a six-wicket home loss to Liverpool, but there was better fortune for their third team thanks to a hard-fought draw against Formby.