Formby relegated by New Brighton

Sep 16 2009 by James Connor, Birkenhead News

IN the Liverpool Comp Premier Division bottom club Formby only had a mathematical chance of avoiding the drop and they were put out of their misery by a crushing 118- run defeat at New Brighton.

Matthew Thompson hit 85 and Alex Roberts chipped in with 30 not out as New Brighton raced to 223-7 declared off 46 overs.

Jon Taylor (3-34) was the pick of the Formby attack.

Dave Hadden hammered a quickfire 37 as Formby's openers put on 49 but they collapsed to 105 all out.

Graeme Morris (36) was the only other batsman to reach double figures.

Martyn Evans (4-29) cleaned up the top order and Ashraf Nawab (6-15) polished off the tail.

Wallasey enjoyed a 53-run win in a mid-table clash at Hightown.

Opener Roger Eagles (41) and Mitchell Cook (66) helped Wallasey to 195-6 declared off 68 overs.

Hightown's Guy Edwards struck 64 but his side slipped to 142 all out.

There were three wickets apiece for Matty Hughes (3-46) and Cook (3-28).

THE champagne remained unopened as Wavertree failed to clinch the Bromborough Paints Merseyside & Southport Alliance title.

They lost by two runs in a thriller at Birkenhead St Mary’s and must now wait until the final games next Saturday to make sure of top spot.

Wavertree dismissed Birkenhead for just 72 with Matt Nation taking 9-32 but the Saints hit back with Fildus Vincent claiming 6- 12 and Shakeel Nawaz 4-26 as Wavertree fell just short.

OULTON Park clinched their fourth Chapel Press Cheshire County League ECB Premier Division title in five years when they coasted to an eight wickets victory on the ground of close rivals Nantwich in the season’s final game.

Oulton restricted the Dabbers to 193 in 60 overs. Park replied with 195-2, Ben Spendlove 75 not out, Danny Leech 57 and were afterwards presented with the Murray Smith Championship Trophy and flag by league chairman David Humpage.

Bowdon lost at home by four wickets to Chester Boughton Hall and ended up 23 points behind the champions after another poor performance. They totalled only 159 and Chester, who had beaten Nantwich the previous week, eased home at 162-6.

Neston finished an honourable fourth after a winning draw away to Wirral rivals Oxton. Neston posted 232-5 after which Oxton were content to play out time at 141-7.