Hesketh in fight for survival

IN the First Division of the Liverpool Gin Liverpool Competition, Highfield consolidated their position at the top of the table with a three-wicket victory over their closest challengers Rainford.

Sam Rotherham did the early damage by taking 6-36 as the visitors were dismissed for 162 but it needed Michael Gaskell’s cool 67 not out to complete the victory after tea.

However, losing skipper John Dotters did his best to win the day, first by making 41 and then by taking 6-44, and Rainford are still overwhelming favourites to join Highfield in the Premier League next season.

Third-placed Newtonle-Willows are still 50 points shy of a promotion place even after their 124-run victory over Fleetwood Hesketh, a result which increases the Southport team’s relegation fears.

James Smith (111) and Muhammad Iqbal (117) put on 222 for the third wicket in their side 265-4 declared and Dominic Chambers then grabbed 4-37 as the Sea Cop team were dismissed for 131.

The vital game at the bottom of the table went the way of Birkenhead Park, largely thanks to Naeem Islam, who topscored with 44 in his side’s 202 all out and then took 6-27 as Skelmersdale managed only 113 in reply. Aqib Nawaz had earlier taken 6-73 for the visitors.

The briefest game in the entire league took place at Old School Lane where Wigan lost their last nine wickets for eight runs and were skittled by Burscough for 49 in 19.5 overs, Ben van Niekerk taking 5-6 and Chris Andrews 4-22. The home side’s openers knocked off the runs in 10.3 overs.

Fifties by skipper Richie Forsyth and Sean Vandome put Sefton Park on their way to a fine home victory against Orrell Red Triangle. After posting 231-7 declared in 54 overs, Forsyth left it to Joe Francis, Shakeem Clarke and Mark Chappell to complete the win and each bowler took three wickets as ORT were hustled out for 97. Prestatyn’s 243-5 declared proved to be enough for victory against Hightown.