MENAI Bridge closed the gap on North Wales Cricket League Premier Division leaders Bangor with a convincing 149-run rout at Pwllheli.

The defending champions made light work of their trip to an inconsistent Pwll’ side to come away from maximum points, and they received a further boost with the news that Bangor fell to a final ball defeat at in-form Mochdre.

This leaves the gap between the pair now just two points, and Bridge could go top this weekend if they are victorious during their trip to Gresford and other results go their way.

The visitors gave themselves the best possible chance of success thanks to a formidable batting display that ended with 302-9 from their allotted 50 overs, and wicketkeeper-batsman Jack Gower finally hitting some form on his way to a standout century knock of 118, which included no fewer than 19 boundaries from just 95 deliveries.

Robbie Jones (38), Gethin Long (32) and skipper Gethin Roberts (32) all contributed significantly to the overall total, with Tristan Coetzee finishing with figures of 3-79 from a 12-over spell.

Roberts got Bridge off to a flyer with the new ball by disposing of the opening pair of Lawrance Barraclough (12) and Johnny Metcalfe (21), before Dion Owen tore through the middle order on his way to final figures of 4-28 from a blistering eight overs.

The home side could not recover from this despite a number of batsmen making promising starts, but overseas player Sean O’Callaghan claimed two late wickets to put the exclamation point on proceedings as Pwll’ were all out for 153 in response.

There was further cause for celebration as Bridge’s second unit emerged from their visit to Llay Welfare with a narrow two-wicket success, with Shaun Whitley’s 63 knock playing a leading role in their triumph.