MOCHDRE rounded off a weekend to remember with a dramatic four-run victory at Northop.

The surprise North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title challengers were pushed all the way by their opponents in what proved to be a thrilling end to the contest, but Matty Humphreys’ side held firm in the closing stages to pick up their ninth win in 13 games so far this term.

This leaves the newly promoted side sitting in third position and three points behind pacesetters Bangor as they prepare for a home encounter with Pwllheli this Saturday.

The visitors managed to post a total of 234 all out from their allotted 50 overs, with Humphreys once again leading the way with the bat on his way to an impressive 55 from 91 deliveries.

Opener Gareth Goodson continued his excellent campaign since returning to the club with a knock of 44, with Stewart Williams also aiding his side’s cause with a patient 27 from 57 balls.

Sam Davies and Gareth Davies provided the away side with a much-needed boost in the lower order, making 26 and 36 respectively before they were ousted from the crease by Ammar Mahmood and Andy Poynton.

The bowling of James Birch and Mark Poynton restricted them considerably throughout, with the pair taking three wickets apiece for the combined loss of 93 runs.

A strong start from the hosts’ time in the middle gave the contest a bleak looking outcome for the title hopefuls, but they managed to dig deep for the second day in succession to ensure their opponents made 230-8 in reply.

Opening batsman Alex Gill was the start of the show with a fantastic 78, with Thomas Hughes (49) and Harry Lewis (26) also playing a significant role in a pulsating encounter.

Goodson made a lasting impression with the new ball on his way to figures of 3-38 from an 11-over spell, and Russ Boswell also picked up a treble for the loss of 32.