COLWYN Bay are now 33 points adrift of safety after a disappointing eight-wicket home loss at the hands of relegation rivals Southport and Birkdale.

A pivotal early season clash at Penrhyn Avenue went the way of the away side thanks in no small part to an exceptional bowling performance from Gary Keedy that decimated the Bay batting order.

Sion Morris’ side will finally look to kickstart their Liverpool and District Competition Premier Division campaign this Saturday when they travel to Wallasey.

Keedy made a significant impression with the new ball, sending Zack Gidlow (12), Hanry Ramsden (27), George Johansen (4), Adam Campion (14) and Mike Littler (0) back to the pavilion during the opening exchanges.

The talented bowler showed no mercy for the remainder of the innings, taking out Ryan Holtby (0) and Oran Elphinstone-Davies (1) in quick succession, and he also ousted Paul Jenkins on 44 for another critical moment to finish the day with eight wickets for the loss of just 25 runs.

Overseas star Saliya Jeewantha provided additional resistance on his way to 37 as the hosts were all out for 146 from 48 overs at the crease.

Jeewantha got Bay off to a flyer in the field with the wicket of Issac Lea for six, but a superb partnership from wicketkeeper-opener Bradley Yates and Will Affleck enabled the visitors to reach their required target with minimal fuss.

Yates was run out by Luke Russell after hitting a patient 73 off 113 deliveries, and Affleck finished the day unbeaten on 66 after smashing 12 boundaries.

There was better fortune for Bay’s second unit, who emerged from their tricky trip to Wigan with a superb 71-run victory.

Sean McDonagh managed to hit a half century knock of 53 for the away side, with Jamie Moorhouse (6-55) and James Jones (4-19) taking all Bay’s wickets.