ABERGELE fell narrowly short of their run chase in a 49-run home loss at the hands of Connah’s Quay.

Gele’s latest North Wales Cricket League Group C clash saw them perform well against high-quality opposition, but they were unable to muster enough in the middle to secure another victory.

Lewis Tolond got the hosts off to a slyer with the early wicket of opener Luke Bennett for 13, and Gareth Jones was caught off an Owen Lynam delivery after making 19.

The home side managed to get back in the ascendancy thanks to a knock of genuine quality from Tom Hooson, who smashed 14 boundaries on his way to 81 before he was sent back to the pavilion by Karl Higgins.

The Gele bowler was in tremendous form throughout his spell, adding Darren Jones (21), Callum Miller (0) and Mali Auty (0) to his list of victims on his way to figures of 4-25 from just four overs.

Joshua Clarke’s 38 providing the visitors with some welcome runs from the middle order as Quay finished their allotted 40 overs on 199-8.

Higgins was unable to replicate his form from a batting perspective and was out for 15, and fellow opener Gareth Edwards fared better before he was dismissed for 28.

David Moulson and Tolond kept the scoreboard ticking over with 18 and 26 respectively, but the middle order provided little in the way of any notable contributions.

David Williams ensured a nervy end to proceedings with an unbeaten 23 late on, but the hosts ran out of time and finished their 40 overs on 150-8.