Maghull promotion hits snag

A fine innings of 79 not out by opener Henry Charlton helped Liverpool secure promotion to the First Division of the Liverpool Gin Liverpool Competition on Saturday.

Needing 149 to defeat St Helens Town and achieve their season-long goal, Matt Jackson’s team reached their target in 34.1 overs thanks to Charlton’s nerveless effort.

Earlier, Peter Kelly had taken 4-56 and Jared Clein 5-41 as the visitors were dismissed for 148 in 41.4 overs.

The second promotion place seems almost certain to be fought over between Spring View and Wavertree and the Sandown Lane club boosted their chances on Saturday when they defeated Parkfield Liscard by seven wickets.

Jadeja Edwards and Jack Hogan took three wickets apiece in the home side’s 97 all out, a target which Wavertree overhauled in 21.4 overs to complete a very straightforward win.

Spring View’s chances of establishing themselves in second place were hit when they lost to Alder by two wickets in a remarkable game.

Nazim Mohammed reduced Spring View to 64-7 before Marc Birch’s 70 enabled them to recover 167 all out, Nazim Mohammed finishing with 8-54.

However Alder only reached their target with two wickets to spare, Zahid Mohammed making 45.

Perhaps the best story in the entire Competition on Saturday unfolded at Burrows Lane, where Prescot & Odyssey won their first match of the season at their 20th attempt.

Matt Connolly’s 4-34 and Lawrence Morgan’s 3-31 played important roles in dismissing Caldy for 137 and Shaun Haigh’s 54 did the hard work needed to pass that total.

Maghull’s chances of promotion received a severe blow when they could not force a victory against Northop Hall. Liam Crilly’s unbeaten 104 and fifties from Paul Walters and William Mashinge saw the home side make 258-2 declared in 53 overs but the visitors replied with a determined 199-8.

In the match between two mid-table sides Old Xaverians defeated Southport Trinity by 29 runs.