COLWYN Bay are now bottom of the Liverpool and District Competition Premier Division table following a narrow 38-run loss at Ormskirk.

The long-time strugglers fell agonisingly close to reaching their required target on their travels against the championship contenders, and the result leaves Sion Morris’ men ten points adrift of safety ahead of their crucial home clash with title favourites Bootle at Penrhyn Avenue on Saturday.

The home side made a positive start to their time in the middle before Adam Campion ousted John Armstrong on 27, and he was swiftly followed back to the pavilion by Tyler McGladdery after he was caught off a Paul Jenkins delivery on one.

Jenkins also took out dangerous opener Alex Rankin nine short of his half century on his way to figures of 2-63, and Campion took his tally for the day to 2-57 from a mammoth 20 overs with the wicket of George Lavelle (36).

A standout knock from skipper Gary Knight tipped the scales in the hosts’ favour, with the wicket-keeper batsman finishing unbeaten on 57 as they declared on 190-4.

Things did not begin well for the Bay as Scott Lees disposed of opening pair Zack Gidlow and Ryan Westwell for six and nine, and the talented pair of George Johansen (1) and Campion (8) followed soon after during a disappointing start.

Overseas player Saliya Jeewantha proved a far sterner proposition to remove from the crease, with the all-rounder giving his side a fighting chance with a superb 82 from 113 balls before he was removed by Ryan Maddock.

He was aided at the other end by Mike Littler, who contributed 40 to the overall score but found partners in short supply late on as the visitors were eventually skittled for 152 from 48 overs, leaving Bay’s top-flight status in a precarious position with five game remaining.