MOCHDRE extended their outstanding start to the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division season with an eight-wicket home victory over Gresford.

The newly promoted side demonstrated their class on both sides of the ball in another eye-catching triumph, and they currently sit in fourth position ahead of their tricky trip to St Asaph on Saturday.

The hosts got off to a flyer when visiting skipper Matthew Thompson was run out by Kyle Brown on four, and Russ Boswell also made an impact during the opening exchanges with the wicket of Sam Thompson (6).

Gareth Goodson claimed the prized scalp of Cam Evans after the dangerous batsman contributed seven, but strong knocks from Chris Ellwood (39) and Gareth Bell (35) ensured the away side set a target of 134-8 from their allotted 50 overs in the middle.

A standout spell from Stewart Williams saw him end with figures of 2-23, with Kyle Brown also notching a wicket for the loss of 15 runs.

Although all-rounder Williams was dismissed by a Simon Perry strike for 13 early on, Goodson got his side back on track with a promising 33 before he played an Ellwood delivery into the hands of Thompson.

That was as good as it got for the visitors, with the duo of captain Matty Humphreys and Alex Davies ensuring the hosts did not lose another wicket and reached their required total after 25 overs in the middle.

Humphreys was immensely resolute to finish the day unbeaten on 33 from 51 deliveries, and Davies smashed ten boundaries on his way to 56 not out.