MOCHDRE Cricket Club opened their campaign with a narrow 89-run loss at Pwllheli.

Last season’s surprise package were unable to chase down a modest total to start their season with defeat, with Pwll’ opener Jason Underwood giving them a mountain to climb early on.

The exceptional batsman was a relentless force in the middle throughout his time at the crease, but he fell two runs short of his century after he played a Kyle Smith delivery into the hands of Sean Reilly on 98.

Reilly has early removed the dangerous Ben Jones for five, but another standout knock from Morgan Murray-Williams was enough to ensure that the visitors managed just two wickets from their time in the field.

Murray-Williams showcased his outstanding shot selection on his way to an unbeaten 72, which saw the home side set a target of 192-2 from their 40 overs.

Things did not begin well for the away side as Finlay Jones was run out on 12, with skipper Matthew Humphreys making a promising start before he was caught and bowled by Kalim AlBaloshi on 25.

Opener Stewart Williams fare marginally better on his way to 35, but Sam Davies (18) was the only other Mochdre batsman to make it into double-figures as they were forced to settle for 133-8 in reply.

AlBaloshi (2-26), Syed Kaleem Aslam (2-24) and Iwan Moore (2-27) were the pick of the home bowling attack, and Mochdre will be hoping for better luck during their next fixture at home to reigning champions Bangor on Saturday.