Keen aims to impress

Jul 5 2006 Wirral News

WALLASEY won an epic battle during their clash with Leigh in the Liverpool Competition Premier Division.

More than 600 runs were scored at Leigh, where Australians Graeme Rummans and Simon Keen struck centuries, and the Wirral club batted tenaciously to win by one wicket with seven balls left.

When Leigh were asked to bat, Rummans cut loose with 130 in the home side's 301-4 declared (48.3), sharing in afirst wicketstand of 138 with Andy Batterley (67 - 10 fours, two sixes) ) and 126 for the second with Paul Keenan (64 - eight fours, three sixes).

Wallasey were undaunted by the task, Keen setting the tone with 132, enjoying a fruitful 178 for the third wicket with Ben Parker (83). Wickets fell regularly but they edged a thriller at 302-9.

Mohammad Zahid's majestic 135 not out (12 fours, seven sixes) dominated Huyton's 273-5 declared (49) after electing to bat at New Brighton.

Paul Strang (91) maintained his rich vein of form in the reply, which ended on 226-6 (54), with Matthew Thompson 40 not out. Ashraf Nawab took 5-87.

Meanwhile, there was no change at the top of the Bromborough Paints Merseyside and Southport Alliance.

Leaders Wavertree finished seven runs short of victory at Birkenhead St Mary's with four wickets standing in a high scoring game.

Narender Negi 115, Howard Carver 45 and Ian Jennions 4-88 were best for the visitors. Mizan Haq made 99 for Birkenhead and Stephen McGenity 45.

Rainhill's last pair survived the final over at Parkfield Liscard as they closed 23 runs behind.

Grant Hughes produced a top show forthe Wallasey outfit with 72 and 5-47.

Graham Jones 66 and Denzil Addicott with 56 off 20 balls also did well.

Norley Hall moved third after a draw at Worsley, who are now fourth.

Worsley's last pair hung on for the final four overs and they finished 67 runs behind.

Matt Norvell 52 and Andy Hargreaves 50 batted well forNorley with Paul Hollinrake getting 4-28. Best for Worsley were Tom Othic 51 and Andy Hayhurst 6-33.

Rainford enjoyed a nine-wicket success at Caldy with Chris Tonge51 and Tom Meredith 41 enjoying an unbeaten second-wicket partnership. Lee Woolcock finished with 6-35 whilst Dan Hargreaves forthe losers scored 41.

Mohammed Musroor put in an outstanding bowling spell forAlder in a six wickets triumph at Prescot & Odyssey. He claimed 9-47 with Peter West on 43 best for the combined side.