ABERGELE Seconds are still searching for their first North Wales Cricket League Division Three victory of the season after falling to a five-wicket home reverse to Mold 2nds.

The home side were all out for 139 after a poor performance at the crease, with skipper Sam Painter showing his class with a superb knock of 55 before he eventually played a Craig Roberts delivery into the hands of Ethan Hill.

Another score of note came from David Holmes, who was caught off a Keith Embleton delivery after making a promising 19, but Ryan Ashby (10) was the only other Gele batsman to make it into double-figures thereafter.

Roberts was the pick of the visiting bowlers, helping himself to six wickets for the loss of just 13 runs during a dazzling nine-over spell, with Embleton securing figures of 2-36.

The hosts made a strong start in the field as Ricky Ashby removed wicketkeeper-opener Ewan Hill for a duck, with Berwyn Thomas also getting in on the act by taking the scalp of Luca Davies for seven.

Joe Roberts dismissed the dangerous duo of Andrew Hill (14) and John Williams (17) to secure figures of 2-27, but a standout batting display from Roberts ensured the away side reached their required total with minimal fuss.

The skipper was in ruthless mood until he was clean bowled by Ashby for 61, and George Jones ended the day unbeaten on 26 to condemn Gele to their second straight league loss to open the campaign.

Gele’s first team fixture at Llanrwst was cancelled due to a waterlogged wicket, and they travel to in-form Conwy this Saturday.