Liverpool Competition cricket: Colwyn Bay throw themselves a lifeline, Prestatyn in deep trouble

Colwyn Bay Cricket Club’s first XI have opened the door to a possible last-day escape route from relegation.

Looking near to doomed in bottom spot of the Liverpool and District Competition 1st XI ECB Premier League ahead of Saturday’s home test against Wallasey, the Bay threw themselves a lifeline by scooping a big 25 points in a seven-wicket victory.

This means that going into next weekend’s final round of matches, third bottom Southport and Birkdale have 163 points, Bay are on 152 and basement side Lytham 151.

To maximise their hopes of avoiding the drop, Colwyn must win at fourth-from-bottom Leigh, then hope S & B are beaten or draw at Wallasey and that Lytham fail manage a victory at home to near title-certs Bootle.

The Great Escape can be done, but the North Wales side must make sure they beat Leigh, against whom they got a home losing draw in July, and then rely on scores elsewhere going their way.

The big positive for Sion Morris’ men is they have given themselves a fighting chance after thrashing Wallasey at Penrhyn Avenue.

The Wirralians won the toss and were skittled out for just 71 in 23.5 overs, Ryan Holtby claiming 5-45 and veteran left-arm spinner Paul Jenkins a magnificent 4-1 off five.

Colwyn slumped to 16-3 in reply before Saliya Saman Jeewantha (42 no) and Michael Littler (25 no) put on an unbroken stand of 61 for the fourth wicket. The hosts reached 77-3 off just 10.5 overs, sealing a 25-1 points success.

1st XI First Division

Northop Hall’s wonder spinner Enamul Haque Jr claimed a UK best 7-27 in his team’s resounding home victory against Wavertree.

Put into bat at Smithy Lane, the Hall were bowled out for 183, Joshua Andrady top-scoring with 39, while openers Alex Smith (34) and Alastair Andrady (30) put on 67.

Bangladesh Test bowler Haque then boosted his league wickets tally for the season to 67 with his seven-for, Matthew Hodgson snaring 2-22 as Wavertree were dismissed for 73. Points: 23-5.

Prestatyn will enter the final Saturday of the season in grave danger of relegation after their latest defeat at the weekend.

The bottom three in the 1st XI First Division stands: Fleetwood Hesketh 153 points, Prestatyn 139 and doomed Wavertree 85.

In their last match, Prestatyn will travel to fourth-place Highfield, who could technically still finish champions, while Fleetwood host Northop Hall, who lie sixth.

To survive, Prestatyn must win big and hope Fleetwood fail against the Hall. The odds are pretty heavily stacked against the North Walians.

On Saturday, Prestatyn were thrashed 24-3 on points at home to Old Xaverians.

The visitors set 212-7 declared, Sheil Sethi a fine 2-30 from 14 overs, then the hosts were rolled over for a paltry 66, opener Robert Rimmington a defiant 23, Colin Gibson 5-11 for the Xavs.