LLANDUDNO’s North Wales Cricket League title hopes are all-but over after they fell to a shock 83-run home loss to Pwllheli.

The Lions’ were unable to match a standout overall performance from visiting skipper Morgan Murray-Williams, who played a leading role with both bat and ball to condemn them to defeat.

Jack Rimmington’s men are now 39 points behind leaders Bangor with five games remaining, but they have a great chance to get back to winning ways this Saturday during their trip to basement dwellers Connah’s Quay.

The visitors managed to set an imposing target of 232-8 from their allotted 50 overs in the middle thanks to an exceptional display from Murray-Williams, who smashed 14 boundaries on his way to an unbeaten 123 from just 144 deliveries.

Another Pwll’ batsman to shine was opener Chris Moore, who reached his half century with a score of 50, and Neil Williams made a promising 19 before he was dismissed at the hand of Hannah Thornton.

Danial Evans was the pick of the home bowling attack, claiming four wickets for the loss of 43 runs, but the home side lost a big player early on when Sam Rimmington fell for ten.

Things looked promising thereafter thanks to 30 and 33 from Evans and Luke Kenworthy, with opener Matthew Jones also in fine form on his way to an impressive knock of 53.

That was as good as it got for the Lions, who had the remainder of their batting order decimated at the hands of Tristan Coetzee and Murray-Williams, who produced sensational spells to leave the hosts on 149 all out in reply.

Coetzee secured a five-wicket haul at the expense of 38 runs, and Murray-Williams’ influence on the contest was further highlighted with figures of 4-22.