Wallasey’s challenge for the Bridging Finance Solutions First Division title faltered at Alder

Aug 24 2011 by Nick Moreton, Birkenhead News

WALLASEY’S challenge for the Bridging Finance Solutions First Division title faltered slightly in a thrilling game at Alder as Maghull continued their run at the top.

Jack Leckey top-scored for Wallasey with 107 not out and Chris Bourne made 59 in a big total of 259-6 off 55 overs.

But the home team timed their chase to perfection, skipper Mohammad Masroor leading the way with 78 not out and Mark Brick (64) and Scott Aitchison (53) chipping in with vital runs as Alder reached their target for the loss of seven wickets in 49.4 overs.

A strong batting performance helped Maghull to a convincing win over Liverpool.

Australian James Broadbent, with 103 not out, and skipper John Ring, with 82, put on 191 for the second wicket as the leaders declared on 229-3.

ŠAnd despite a battling 41 not out from Ryan Swiers against his former club, Liverpool never really got close, Liam Crilly taking 3-52 to dismiss the visitors for 204.

ŠThere was another close game at St Helens Recs where the home team fell agonisingly short of over-hauling Southport and Birkdale.

ŠA defiant 40 not out from Scott Lees was the only score of note in Southport and Birkdale’s 122 all out.

ŠRainhill demolished visitors Prestatyn. An opening stand of 191 between Mike Rotherham (108) and Pakistani all rounder Mohammad Quereshi (94) helped Rainhill to a daunting 240-2 andŠ Quereshi then returned with figures of 3-31 as Prestatyn crumbled to 97 all out.

ŠIt was slow going at Sefton Park where Orrell Red Triangle made 206-9 off 68 overs, Andrew Mercer top-scoring with 68. Sefton were left clinging on for the draw, reaching 87-9 at stumps, Sean Vandome anchoring the innings with 48.

ŠAt Formby, Armstrong (92) and Baker (55) shared in an opening stand of 142 as the home side made 227-4 declared.ŠWith their reply restricted to just 32 overs, Gareth Bradley (68) top-scored as Wigan made it to 195-7 to draw the game.