ABERGELE’s disappointing start to the North Wales Cricket League First Division season continued with a seven-wicket loss at Dolgellau.

The visitors set a modest target of 135-9 from their allotted 50 overs at the crease, with Mike Thompson top scoring with a knock of 24.

Ben Garnett (13), Edward Rooney (18) and Iwan Thomas (15) all made it into the teens but were unable to build on promising starts following a constant barrage from the home bowling attack.

The pick of these was Mark Edmonson, who helped himself to four wickets for the loss of 43 runs, and the duo of Phil Leeds and Sam Williams claimed a pair of scalps apiece at the expense of 37.

Gele bowler Mike Thompson tried to make a fight of things with the early wickets of Sion Francis and Tom Kistruck for 23 and 13 respectively, and the same bowler also disposed of talented opener Greg Smithies after he made 35 off 61 deliveries.

This took his overall tally to 3-28 from a seven-over spell, but the hosts did not lose another wicket thanks to unbeaten knocks of 23 and 20 from Gareth Lanagan and Leeds to ensure they reached their required total with minimal fuss with ten overs in hand.

Karl Higgins’ men now occupy second from bottom in the standings ahead of their home clash against Carmel and District at Pentre Mawr Park on Saturday.