Neston take chance

Jun 20 2007 by Nick Moreton, Birkenhead News

NESTON took advantage of the three leading clubs having their matches called off to leapfrog to the top of the ECB Premier Division in The Right Move Abroad Cheshire County League.

Well led by Stan Clifford, the Parkgate men have a four-point advantage after a seven-wicket win at Nantwich.

Neston dismissed them cheaply for 128, with 16-year-old Andy Clarke taking 3-43 and wicket keeper Andy Roberts claiming four victims.

Chris Hackett blasted an unbeaten 72 out of 129-3.

Meanwhile, as clubs approach the halfway mark in the Business Assistance Liverpool Competition Premier Division, just 34 points cover the first six clubs, with New Brighton leading the way on 217.

But, while the leaders were drawing against Huyton, champions Firwood Bootle, Colwyn Bay and Ormskirk took advantage to close the gap.

John While proved a capable young batsman again, with 83 in New Brighton’s 223-8 declared, while Martyn Evans made 45.

Despite ex-Huyton bowler Ashraf Nawab’s spell of 5-44, the visitors held out at 114-7. And Lytham dropped from second to fifth after drawing with Wallasey.

Lytham set a target of 205-9, with Chris Bourne (5-62) and Aussie Simon Keen (4-39) creating the problems.

Keen hit 47 in Wallasey’s reply, with skipper John Pugh chipping in with 45 as they made 182-8.

In the Bromborough Paints Merseyside and Southport Alliance league, Birkenhead St Mary’s won by 36 runs at home to the Merseyside Commonwealth.

Mizan Haz reached 96 not out and Craig Murray struck a half century, while Shakeel Nawaz claimed 4-55.

Caldy, though, went down by seven wickets at home to Rainford.