BANGOR left it very late before eventually securing a two-wicket home win over Northop.

The North Wales Cricket League Premier Division leaders reached their required target with just two balls to spare, maintaining their 12-point cushion at the summit with four games remaining.

The long-time leaders have a tough test awaiting them this Saturday as they travel to an in-form Denbigh outfit who currently occupy fifth position in the standings after a superb run of recent results.

A dominant start in the middle from the visitors enabled them to set a total of 195-5 from their allotted 50 overs, with opener Alex Gill in tremendous form on his way to a patient 74 from 136 deliveries, which included seven boundaries.

Another valuable contribution came from Thomas Hughes, who made 36 before he was eventually removed by overseas player Franco Kasner, who also disposed of Ammar Mahmood (24), skipper Jordan Evans (18) and Bart Ryan-Beswick (0) on his way to outstanding figures of 4-43 from a 12-over spell.

Kasner has now taken 38 per cent of his team’s wickets during a phenomenal first campaign at the club, which have come at an average of just 8.76.

The hosts made a moderate start to their run chase with double-figure scores from teenage star Owen Reilly (15), David Winter (24), Nadeem Rehman (15) and Idrees Ijaz (11), but all four were unable to make a large contribution despite looking comfortable during the opening stages of their respective innings.

This was followed by an exceptional knock from Kasner, who turned the game on its head with an incredible 61 from 52 balls before he was sent to the pavilion at the hands of Evans.

A score of 21 from Robbie Marshall put the home side within touching distance of success, and an unbeaten 23 from Michael Hughes finally got them over the line with almost the final action of a thoroughly entertaining affair.