Alex Roberts was the star of the show as New Brighton beat Fleetwood Hesketh

May 13 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

ALEX ROBERTS produced a stunning all-round performance to help New Brighton secure an emphatic 125-run win over Fleetwood Hesketh in the Business Assistance Liverpool Competition Premier League.

The 25-year-old, who was released by Essex last year, struck 122 not out in New Brighton’s total of 228-3 declared off 54 overs.

The Cumberland Minor Counties player shared a stand of 102 for the third wicket with Paul Hale (45).

Roberts then shone with the ball as he claimed 4-16 to help blow Hesketh away for just 103.

Nazim Mohammed chipped in with 3-36, while Derek Sykes provided some resistance with 53.

Victory helped push New Brighton up to fourth place after a mixed start to the campaign for Tim Watkins’ side.

Firwood Bootle continue to set the pace after fighting back to win a low scoring game at Southport & Birkdale.

After being put into bat, Bootle were dismissed for just 108 off 31.2 overs as James Dixon claimed 7-43.

However, Southport struggled in reply and slipped to 68 all out.

Bootle skipper David Snellgrove, who had earlier top scored with 39, bagged 4-5. Colwyn Bay are second after a thrilling six-run win at home to Newton-le-Willows.

Sion Morris struck 70 not out in Bay’s total of 154 off 52 overs as Mike Walkden claimed 4-32.

Newton’s run chase fell just short with Aussie Nathan Rimmington doing most of the damage with 4-46

Wallasey’s wait for a first win of the season goes on after they failed to polish off Formby’s tail.

Mark Wilkie top scored with 45 in Wallasey’s 178-7 declared off 49.3 overs.

John Murphy put Formby on the back foot with 4-28 but they hung on at 123-9 off 44 overs.

Hightown secured a surprise 50-run win at champions Ormskirk.

Lytham piled more misery on bottom club Prestatyn with a thumping 127-run victory.