LLANDUDNO maintained their positive start to the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division season with a two-wicket home win over Northop.

The Lions’ produced a fine effort to chase down a formidable total set by the talented visiting side, leaving Jack Rimmington’s men in fifth spot in the standings ahead of their trip to Pwllheli on Saturday.

Opening bowler Danial Evans wasted no time in making an impact with new ball by removing the opening pair of Alex Gill and Harry Lewis for 20 and 13, but a strong stand fro Ammar Mahmood (49) and Tom Blackwell (34) got the away side back on track before both were sent back to the pavilion at the hand of Matthew Jones.

Darren Williams did not fare as well and was clean bowled by Tom Thornton after failing to contribute a single, with Jones adding Matthew Williams (27) to his list of victims on his way to final figures of 3-48.

The visitors remained resolute throughout their time in the middle, with captain Ben Beaver (48) and Andy Poynton (31*) securing some much-needed lower order runs as they finished their allotted 50 overs on 247-9.

Rimmington claimed two wickets at the expense of 58, with Evans ending on 3-46.

A strong opening stand from Jones and Sam Rimmington put on 86 for the first wicket before the latter was eventually dismissed for 65 off just 44 deliveries, with Evans (13) and Luke Kenworthy (23) also managing to secure double-figure scores.

Things grew more concerning for the home side as the middle order of Matthew Lambe (3) and Kevin James (0) were both out cheaply, and Jack Rimmington was skittled by Tom Blackwell after making a promising 23.

Jones performed exceptionally well throughout until he fell victim of an lbw appeal by James Birch, but a knock of 28 not out from Andrew Christian got the hosts over the line with 2.2 overs and two wickets to spare.