Bootle remain top of the Liverpool Competition after demolishing Northop Hall

May 20 2009 by Our Correspondent, Birkenhead News

BOOTLE remain at the summit of the Business Assistance Liverpool Competition Premier League after a ruthless seven-wicket demolition of Northop Hall at Wadham Road.

Mark O’Connor claimed 4-35 as Hall, who began the day in third place, were dismissed for just 97 in 35 overs.

Bootle skipper David Snellgrove led his side to victory with an unbeaten 64 as they reached their target inside 20 overs.

The rain-affected clash between Fleetwood Hesketh and second placed Colwyn Bay ended in stalemate.

Neil Rimmer (74) and Derek Sykes (47no) put on 117 for the second wicket as Hesketh declared on 156-2 off 41 overs.

Aaron Halsall and Andrew Davies then claimed two wickets apiece as the Welshmen ended up on 110-6 off 29.5 overs.

New Brighton were denied victory by a dogged last-wicket stand at Hightown.

There were half centuries for in-form Alex Roberts (50) and Paul Hale (65) in New Brighton’s 192-5 off 48.1 overs. Ian Sutcliffe claimed 3-31.

At 41-4 Hightown were in trouble but Adam Phillips struck 45.

In the end they were indebted to tail-ender Graham Jones, who faced 46 balls for his eight not out.

Jones was there at the end with Andrew Warhurst as Hightown closed on 134-9 off 47 overs. Louis Botes claimed 3-33 and Ashraf Nawab 4-18.

Northern remain unbeaten after a fifth successive draw at home to Formby.

Jack Boardman (59) and Paul Park (41) shone in Northern’s 193 all out off 54.5 overs after being put into bat.

Tomas Sephton (5-49) and James Beckingham (3-61) impressed for Formby, who reached 135-3 in reply off 41 overs when the heavens opened. Australian Justin Waller was left unbeaten on 92.

Prestatyn remain bottom after a nine-wicket hammering at home to champions Ormskirk.

After opting to bat first, the Welsh outfit never recovered from being 1-3 and limped to 77 all out off 31.2 overs. Steve Giblin hit 25 but five of his team-mates were out for ducks as Nicky Caunce (4-20) and Martyn Farrell (4-18) did the damage.

Ormskirk needed less than 10 overs to knock off the runs as Matthew Glayzer smashed 35 not out.

Wallasey are still searching for their first win after a draw with Lytham.

Lytham were restricted to 154-9 off their 55 overs.

In reply Wallasey slumped to 91-7.