Latest news and reports from Wirral’s cricket teams in the Liverpool Cricket Competition

Sep 5 2012 by Paul Snowdon, Birkenhead News

THE race for promotion from the Liverpool Cricket Competition’s First Division is set for a thrilling finish after leaders Wallasey were beaten by fellow promotion rivals Ainsdale on Saturday.

Batting first, Wallasey were soon in deep trouble at 28-6 as Malcolm Swift (4-42) and Tahir Khan (4-51) fought hard to keep the visitors in the hunt for Premier League glory.

A defiant 65 not out from David Miles helped his side eventually reach 115 all out.

The small target actually caused some problems for Ainsdale, who lost six wickets before reaching the winning post t in the 51st over.

Wallasey skipper Chris Bourne claimed 5-42 but his side face a nervous conclusion to the season with third-placed Ainsdale 34 points behind the leaders.

BIRKENHEAD Park (278 points) remain favourites for promotion from a tight Second Division after they thrashed rivals Birkenhead St Mary’s in a one-sided local derby.

Batting first, St Mary’s were dismissed for just 67 with Park skipper Chris Stenhouse picking up 6-36.

The target was reached easily for the loss of just one wicket.

Skelmersdale (253) remain second, 25 points behind the leaders following a crucial defeat to third placed Parkfield Liscard (247).

Parkfield declared on 190-9 with Kamran Husaain’s 85 the top score. Sunny Gandhi did his best to win the game for Skem, taking 4-54 and scoring 65, but the home side were eventually bowled out for 150.

Caldy and St Helens Town played out a low scoring thriller at Paton Field.

Batting first, Town were dismissed for 102 with Dave Kay (5-27) the pick of the bowlers. Caldy looked on course for a rare win but they were eventually bowled out for 101 with Robert Kenny (6-24) clinching the one-run victory.