DOLGELLAU lost further ground at the North Wales Cricket League Division One summit thanks to a six-wicket loss at Mold.

The one-time pacesetters managed to post a solid target of 229-9 from their 50 overs at the crease, with talented batsman Gareth Lanagan leading the way with a superb knock of 60 from 99 deliveries.

Another valuable contribution came from Jonathan Lloyd, who was run out after making 56 from 77 balls, and Greg Smithies (25), Phil Leeds (20) and Jaco Oosthuizen (15) also boosting the overall total.

John Crane was the standout performer from the home bowling attack, claiming three wickets for the loss of 44 runs, with Wes Gillam picking up a brace at the expense of 39.

Things got off to a good start in the field for the visitors when Rob Lee and Oosthuizen ousted the opening pair of Richard Crane (12) and Richard Deniz (20), but Duane Williams steadied the ship with a knock of 41.

This was followed by an exceptional spell in the middle from Usman Butt, who smashed his way to 67 before he was clean bowled by Phil Leeds, with unbeaten innings’ from John Crane (34*) and Isaac Allen (40*) seeing the hosts over the line with five overs to spare.

The result leaves Dolgellau in third position and 21 points behind Conwy ahead of their home tie against Gwersyllt Park on Saturday.