MENAI Bridge have been crowned North Wales Cricket League Premier Division champions after a 44-run victory over Pwllheli.

The long-time leaders have been the standout side operating in the top flight throughout the season, and they rounded off a memorable campaign in style to secure the title on home soil.

Things did not begin well for the hosts following the early dismissal of opener Luke Jones for one, with Arwel Thomas also removed on the same score by Jason Underwood.

In-form batsman Jack Gower made just 19 before he was clean bowled by Syed Aslam, and things looked increasingly bleak when Robbie Jones (10), Gethin Roberts (1) and Edward Gadsby (14) were all sent back to the pavilion in quick succession by Morgan Murray Williams (4-32).

The constant at the crease was skipper Dion Holden, who led by example and displayed his impressive shot selection on his way to 65, and a valuable 19 late on from Ashley Wood enable the home side to set a target of 173 all out from 43 overs in the middle.

Overseas player Patrick Glover got Bridge off to a flyer with the new ball with the prized wickets of teenage sensation Owen Reilly and Chris Moore for a duck and five, and he also disposed of Swapnil Kate (5) and Adam Williams (12) during the innings to finish on 4-47 from a ten over spell.

Gerallt Roberts also made a notable contribution with the scalp of Murray-Williams after the all-rounder made just ten, and Underwood was brilliantly skittled by Gethin Roberts for a duck to further boost the visitors’ chances.

A stubborn 29 from Sean Reilly and 37 from Michael Hughes got Pwll’ back on the front foot, but this was not enough as they finished on 129 all out to give Holden’s men a 16th victory in 22 league contests to round off an exceptional run.