New Brighton push for title

Aug 27 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NEW Brighton’s win in the derby at Wallasey ensures a three way battle with Ormskirk and Firwood Bootle for the league title with just three games to play in the Business Assistance Liverpool Competition Premier League.

Title hopefuls New Brighton struggled to 74-8 before Ashraf Nawab’s timely 32 not out lifted them to 129 (57.4) after being inserted at Wallasey.

Their relegation-threatened neighbours began disastrously at 0-2 and then lost three wickets on 30.

Murphy tried to rally them with 39 but Wallasey were dismissed for 106 (42) with Charitha Fernando (4-32) and Martyn Evans (3-18) doing the damage.

On Saturday, Bootle’s had their lead at the top reduced to 23 points after Wallasey hung on to force a draw at Wadham Road.

The champions struggled with the bat and posted 159 all out in 51 overs with David Snellgrove hitting 31. John Murphy took 3-29, while there were two wickets apiece for Mark Wilkie, Chris Bourne and Neil Clarkson.

But Bootle hit back in the field and Wallasey were in desperate trouble at 81-7.

Adam Warren (3-38) and Ronnie Davis (4-28) impressed but some lower order resistance from Richard Conlan (22) and Bourne (20no) helped relegation-threatened Wallasey close on 116-9 off 40 overs.

In the ECB Premier Division of The Right Move Abroad Cheshire County League on Saturday, Neston reached a commanding position at Toft when rain ended play 17 overs early.

Toft scored 194, Adam Carolan 75, James Escott 4-11, after which a fine unbeaten innings of 76 by the consistent Jack Smith had taken Neston to 148-3 when the elements intervened.