After multiple attempts that failed I came across the post by the Brilliant Hitesh -
Tutorial - Flashing Stock Firmware on Moto G Used the tool kit for Boost 4.4.2 restore, updated to version 175... and then to 4.4.4 and reprogrammed handset.
Thank you Hitesh bhai!
Now just wondering whether to update to 5.1 or not based on the mixed feedback about reduce in the responsiveness of the UI.