Hesketh take step to safety

FLEETWOOD Hesketh recorded a hugely important 88-run victory over relegation-rivals Skelmersdale.

The two teams are battling it out to avoid the drop with just three games to go and Hesketh now have a huge advantage.

Skelmersdale face the top two sides during their run-in while Hesketh have a much more favourable end of the season.

Skipper Tommy Wareing was delighted his team overcame a big hurdle and he admitted his side felt comfortable throughout the match.

“Everything went as well as we could have hoped for. It was job done,” said Wareing.

“We lost the toss but put 233-3 on the board as we started strongly and then we bowled them out for 145.

“We controlled them from start to finish. We were always in control. Batting-wise Lee Bolton, Huw Summerfields and Jack Wrigglesworth were superb. They all got half centuries.

“They made it easy for me to declare early and that in essence allowed us to go on and get the win fairly comfortably.

“It was good to get a score over 200 for the first time in a good few games. Especially the way it has been going recently.

“Young Bobby Winter got his best first team wickets and did superbly. I’m pleased with him as he’s had a tough season.

“Sometimes he’s had to come off early. So I’m very happy for him.”

It was Hesketh’s first victory in five games and Wareing is understandably feeling more confident going into the last few matches.

He hopes the return of a number of key players will give Hesketh an extra boost.

Fleetwood’s next fixture is on Saturday against Prestatyn and Wareing is eyeing another victory.

“It’s a big confidence boost. It gives us some comfort in the relegation zone but we’re not mathematically safe yet,” said Wareing.

“I don’t see us being at risk but obviously we just need to go out and get the points on the board.”