MOCHDRE’s encouraging start to life back at North Wales Cricket League Premier Division level continued with a 131-run victory over Pontblyddyn.

The newly promoted side have enjoyed a fine start to the season and currently sit in fifth spot in the very early standings after another impressive triumph on home soil.

The hosts began their time in the middle in stylish fashion thanks to a knock of 21 from Stewart Williams, with skipper Matty Humphreys caught off a Chris Moss delivery after contributing 24 to the overall score.

The outstanding Moss was a huge presence throughout, helping himself to six wickets for the loss of 50 runs from a hugely positive 12-over spell.

Opener Gareth Goodson was in tremendous form during his brief spell at the crease, making 41 off just 21 deliveries, with James French and Sam Davies also aiding their side’s cause with knocks of 30 and 23 as they set a target of 217 all out from 45 overs.

Goodson carried on his good form with the bat with the early scalp of Ben Mason (8), and he also disposed of James Griffiths (5), James Hughes (0), George Forgrave (2) and Conor Martin (0) to finish with exceptional figures of 5-36.

He was helped at the other end by Humphreys and Russ Boswell, who claimed a pair of victims apiece for the combined expense of 41 runs, with Kyle Brown taking the crucial wicket of top scorer Moss (36) as the visitors mustered 86 all out in reply.

Humphreys’ men will look to build on this positive momentum when they make a trick looking trip to Brymbo on Saturday.