ST ASAPH’s slim hopes of securing the North Wales Cricket League Premier Division title are now over after a narrow 26-run loss at Pwllheli.

The Saints were left frustrated after falling short with the bat in the closing stages, and Will Ryan’s men are now 45 points behind leaders Menai Bridge with four games remaining as they prepare for their trip to Connah’s Quay on Saturday.

Jason Foulkes continued his excellent recent form with the early wicket of Craig Edwards after the opener contributed just four, but impressive double-figure scores from teenage sensation Owen Reilly (30) and Morgan Murray-Williams (36) got them back on track before they were ousted by Mathew Ryan and Andrew Bellis respectively.

Chris Moore produced another score of note until he was clean bowled by Foulkes on 36, and the same bowler took his figures to 3-52 from a 12-over spell by adding Sean Reilly (6) to his list of vixctims.

The one constant throughout the innings was Jason Underwood, who produced a knock of genuine class to end the day unbeaten on 67, with Swapnil Kate finishing on 26 not out as the hosts set a target of 226-5 from their allotted 50 overs.

Things did not begin well for the visitors as Mathew Ryan (9), skipper Will Ryan (12) and Foulkes (0) were all sent back to the pavilion early on, with Danny Ryan faring little better and was caught off a Sean Reilly delivery on 24.

The middle order struggled to make an impact with Andrew Pierce (14), David North (10), Bellis (3) and David Lloyd (3) all dismissed at the hands of Michael Hughes on his way to figures of 4-33, and despite a superb innings of 86 from overseas star Nathanael Scott it was not enough as the city side ended on 200-9.