New Brighton slip up in battle with Bootle

Jul 16 2008 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

NEW BRIGHTON’S hopes of being crowned champions suffered a setback when they lost out in the top-of-the-table clash with Firwood Bootle.

They are now in danger of losing touch with front runners, Bootle and Ormskirk, with the gap stretched to 48 points between them and the leaders. Matthew Thompson top scored with 71 in the Wirral side’s disappointing 135 (46.3 overs) after electing to bat.

Mark O’Connor caused the problems with 5-42 and Matty Lawless chipped in with 3-9. Bootle got home in 26.3 overs by five wickets, Stephen Parry top scoring with 51 not out. Wallasey have finally escaped the relegation places after overcoming Maghull with relative ease.

It looked a tricky chase as the visitors compiled 211-9 declared (63 overs), with captain Niall McDonnell contributing an outstanding 124 (14 fours, four sixes) and dominating stands of 87 and 82 with Jonathan Ring (22) and Matthew Gillespie (15), respectively. John Murphy returned 4-39 off 15 overs against his former club.

Pakistani Zeeshan Pervez, a newcomer to Wallasey’s ranks made a useful 47, but Alex Eagles (60 not out) and Mark Wilkie (34 not out) put together an unbroken 85 for the sixth wicket to see them home. Elsewhere in the ECB Premier Division of The Right Move Abroad Cheshire County League, Neston managed a draw against visitors Oulton Park.

Three-time champions Oulton Park were outplayed by Neston, who rattled up 196-9. Aussie opener Jack Smith continuing his fine form with an innings of 87, while Nathan Dumelow took 6-60. Oulton hung on at 153-9, Dumelow 54, Graham Rickman 4-38, Chris Finegan 3-56.