Bangor turn up heat and pack close in on top.

Byline: MARK CURRIE 

THE race for the Premier Division crown remains as open as ever after front-runners Pontblyddyn lost by 68 runs at Bangor and saw their lead at the top cut to just a couple of points.

The Gwynedd side were asked to bat first on their Ty Newydd track and had to work hard for their total of 182-6 declared off 58 overs, Kevin Williams finding the conditions to his liking as he scored an unbeaten 75 while Jamie Davies added a useful 36.

Nevertheless the target proved too much for Pontblyddyn, only Glenn Chambers (34) and skipper Julian Morris (40) offering much resistance to the home side's attack. And when the visitors lost three wickets for one run, the chase was up and they were eventually out for 114 for a 2-20 points split.

Mochdre closed to within two points of the Alder Meadow outfit thanks to a comfortable seven-wicket victory at Brymbo who remain deep in relegation trouble.

Batting first, the home side were indebted to an unbeaten 51 from Jamie Griffiths in their meagre total of 129 all out in 52 overs, several bowlers sharing the spoils before Joe Chaplin saw off the three tail-enders.

The visitors strolled to their target inside 27 overs, opener Will Evans setting them on the way with 37 before Gareth Davies (43no) saw them home and dry.

Defending champions Llandudno slipped from second in the table to fourth but remain very much in the hunt just 12 points adrift of Pontblyddyn.

The seasiders looked to be on course for more than the 12 points they pocketed at Connah's Quay, but were frustrated by late afternoon rain that caused the match to be abandoned.

Batting first, Llandudno scored an impressive 242-6 declared, with all the top order batsmen contributing runs, including Duncan Midgley (58), Aled Williams (46) and Kevin James (45no) while Rob Bennett took 3-56.

Despite a doughty 64 from captain Martin Burger, the home side were always behind the required rate and were on 109-6 from 30 overs when a halt was called.

Hawarden Park continue to climb the table on a back of an impressive run extended by their nine-wicket win at bottom club Bethesda.

The home side managed just 114, 33 of which came from Danny Creek with Craig Wilson (3-27) and Jamie Ducker (4-41) doing the damage.

The visitors wasted little time - fewer than 15 overs - in reaching the target, an unbeaten 63 from Tom Ducker and 41 from Trent Griffiths wrapping it up.

Mold opener Russell Wiseman scored 67 and captain Cliff, his brother, 32 in their side's total of 189-9 declared and they both took wickets (Cliff 4-9 and Russell 2-38) as hosts Llanrwst were stopped on 165.

Menai Bridge (213-6 declared) and Chirk (168-4 off 44 overs) shared 10 points apiece from their abandoned match.

CAPTION(S):

Bangor batsman Richard Perry guards his wicket (left) in Saturday's win over Premier Division leaders Pontblyddyn; Andy Savage (above) faces Pontblyddyn bowler Charles Fernando Pictures: HADYN IBALL