NEIL PEARSON'S five-star return has delivered a major blow to Northop Hall's hopes of claiming this season's Premier Division title.

Pearson picked up five for 26 as Gwersyllt Park moved a huge step towards safety with a terrific 33-run triumph.

Peet Pienaar (35) helped Northop to reach 79 for two, but Pearson's introduction played its part in the hosts then stumbling to 124 all out.

Earlier in the day, Lewis Cole (48 not out) was the chief contributor in Park's 157 for nine (Ashraf Nawab 3-34).

It's a major battle for the runners-up spot, with just seven points separating second-placed Northop and Bangor, who are fifth.

Fourth-placed Brymbo eased to an eight-wicket victory during their home clash with basement side Llandudno.

Divya Pratap Singh (60) top scored as Llandudno were restricted to 139 for nine from their reduced 35 overs (Connor Davies 3-23, Richard Deniz 3-23).

A blistering knock from Jason Underwood helped Brymbo to a winning 142 for two with time to spare.

Underwood made 87 not out from 46 deliveries, hitting eight fours and six sixes.

Gresford found themselves on the wrong end of a 70-run outcome during their trip to third-placed St Asaph.

Mathew Ryan (58) and Duncan Midgley (39) compiled a first wicket stand of 108 in the Saints' 216 all out.

Toby Bellis (3-34), skipper Matt Thompson (2-22) and Chris Ellwood (2-37) were the main wicket-takers for Gresford, whose reply was halted on 146 (Thompson 55, Dan Evans 6-24).

Leaders Mochdre stretched their advantage to 29 points courtesy of a comfortable seven-wicket win at Denbigh.

James Du Toit (53) led the way in Denbigh's 112 all out (Matty Humphreys 5-32) and Mochdre then eased to 116 for three (Humphreys 37).

Elsewhere, Bangor claimed a nine-wicket triumph at Menai Bridge, who were dismissed for 154 (Franco Kasner 4-20). Smit Parekh's unbeaten 64 then helped Bangor to reach 157 for one inside 19 overs.

In the Shropshire League, Chirk suffered a six-wicket defeat in their home Division One meeting with Newtown.

Shaun Walker (40) and Nick Flack (28) led the way in Chirk's 117 all out.

Tom Anderson bagged a stunning six for 25 return for Newtown, who responded with 121 for four (Luke Gardner 3-45). That was mainly thanks to Marco Malan's bludgeoning 70 not out from just 33 deliveries.

Chirk seconds lost a thrilling Division Seven encounter at Albrighton seconds by one wicket.

Rob Williams (79) top scored in Chirk's 231 (Esther Hurford 4-36) and Hardeep Kumar cracked 163 in Albrighton's 232 for nine (Harry Lunt 4-34).

Northop Hall's Liverpool Competition visit to Alder ended in a thrilling draw.

Hall set 162 for three and time ran out with Alder's reply on 157 for nine.

Meanwhile, Northop Hall seconds thrashed Fleetwood Hesketh seconds by 166 runs.