LLANDUDNO slipped to seventh in the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division standings after a narrow 32-run loss at Pwllheli.

The Lions’ have endured an inconsistent start to their expected title challenge this term and now find themselves 31 points behind early pacesetters Bangor after seven games, with the club hoping to halt the slide at home to Connah’s Quay on Saturday.

Despite Danial Evans taking the wicket of opener Craig Edwards for four early on, a strong partnership from Lawrance Barraclough and Tristan Coetzee put on 153 for the second wicket before the latter was eventually removed by Jamie Grimshaw on 89.

The same bowler also despatched Barraclough after the opener made 75, and Jake Sumbland ran out skipper Morgan Murray-Williams three runs shy of his half century.

Visiting captain Jack Rimmington finished with figures of 2-55 after disposing of Chris Moore (0) and Neil Williams (2), and Tom Thornton also finished with two scalps at the expense of 35 as the home side set a target of 237-8 from their 40 overs.

Things looked promising for the away side thanks to an opening wicket stand of 95 from Sam Rimmington and Evans, but the former was unable to reach a milestone when he was caught off a Coetzee delivery on 47.

Evans suffered a similar fate when he was run out for 48, with David Barlow (0), Jack Rimmington (12), Kevin James (5) and Sumbland (1) all failing to contribute a notable score from the middle order.

Overseas player Luke Kenworthy provided some resistance but was ousted by Sharaiz Kazi for 28 during a critical stage of the innings, with Andrew Christian (15), Grimshaw (14) and Thornton (14) unable to see them over the line as they eventually made 205 all out in reply.

Llandudno Seconds also suffered defeat with a heavy ten-wicket reverse at Ruthin.