New Brighton lose out to Lytham


NEW BRIGHTON’S title hopes in the Business Assistance Liverpool Competition Premier League were hit by a comprehensive 88-run defeat at home to Lytham at the weekend.
Joseph Davies was the hero for the visitors as he shone with both bat and ball.

He led the way with 82 off 89 balls as the visitors posted 192 all out off 57.2 overs. Ashraf Nawab (pictured inset right) limited their progress with 5-38, while Martyn Evans claimed 4-64.

Davies then blew New Brighton away with figures of 5-19 off his six overs as the hosts slumped to 104 all out.

Zahid Mohammed top scored with 26.

Wallasey piled the misery on bottom club Prestatyn as they claimed a seven-wicket triumph.

Chris Bourne (4-46) and Mitchell Cook (3-25) helped reduce the Welshmen to 98-7 before some late runs from Ben Williams (38) boosted the total to 150 all out off 47.1 overs.

A solid opening stand between Kuran Makol (34) and Roger Eagles (50) put Wallasey on course for victory as they knocked off the runs inside 34 overs.

Firwood Bootle moved a step closer to reclaiming the crown with a 147-run thrashing of Fleetwood Hesketh.

The leaders dominated after being put in to bat with Steve Mullaney (38), Craig Prince (58no), Pat Jackson (65) and Jack Kelliher (80) helping them post a formidable 264-3 declared off just 38.5 overs.

Hesketh never threatened to get close to that total as Ronnie Davis ripped out openers Gary Wells and Neil Rimmer cheaply.

Faisal Yasin struck 35 but the home side were swept aside for 117 with Chris Cunningham (3-5) mopping up the tail.

Formby eased their relegation fears with an impressive three-wicket win at home to second placed Colwyn Bay.

Justin Waller was their hero as he hammered an unbeaten 140 to help Formby chase down Bay’s 232-4 declared off 43 overs.

It was also a good day for struggling Newton-le-Willows who enjoyed a surprise 89-run victory at Northop Hall.

Newton were in deep trouble at 72-6 after being put in to bat with only Danny Barlow (39) impressing.

However, Mike Walkden (43), Steven Appleton (38) and David Evans (31no) helped them recover to post 226 all out off 50 overs.

Simon Butler was the pick of the Hall bowlers with 5-83.

Hall lost early wickets and despite 44 from Anthony Sparks they slipped to 137 all out off 45 overs. Walkden completed a fine all-round performance with 4-35, while there were two wickets apiece for Liam Horsfield and Danny Barlow.

Fourth-placed Ormskirk were easy 98-run winners at Southport & Birkdale.

After opting to bat first they posted 196-5 declared off 44 overs thanks to Matt Morgan (56), Simon Kerrigan (42) and John Armstrong (39).

Southport then crumbled to 98 all out with Mark Jenkins (6-22) and Nicky Caunce (3-37) doing the damage.