LLANDUDNO held on to their faint North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title hopes with a 96-run win at Northop.

The Lions’ emerged victorious from a game that was reduced to 45 overs a side due to the adverse weather conditions, and the result leaves them in fourth spot and 29 points behind Bangor ahead of their home clash with Pwllheli on Saturday.

The away side made a promising start to their time in the middle until Matthew Jones was trapped lbw by Andy Poynton on 26 after he and fellow opener Sam Rimmington put on 101 for the first wicket, and he was followed to the pavilion by Danial Evans soon after when he was clean bowled by Matthew Mullarkey on six.

The same player also ousted Rimmington from the crease after he made a stylish 70 from 99 deliveries, and overseas player Luke Kenworthy also aided his side’s cause considerably before he was eventually despatched by Lloyd Hayes on 57.

Mullarkey took his eventual tally to 4-29 with the scalps of Ethan Hill and Matthew Lambe for a pair of ducks, with only Kevin James (16) making it into double figures thereafter as the visitors set a target of 221-9.

A strong performance in the field meant that the Lions’ restricted their opponents to 125 all out in reply, with skipper Jack Rimmington leading the bowling attack thanks to three wickets for the loss of 41 runs.

He was ably assisted at the other end by Jamie Grimshaw, Danial Evans and Jake Sumbland, who all claimed two scalps apiece during important moments of the innings.

Hayes top-scored for the home side with a 24 knock, and Ben Beaver managed 21 from the number six position from 39 deliveries.