Liverpool Cricket Competition – double euphoria for Prestatyn as Perera sets new milestone

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT CRICKET COMPETITION REPORTS – SEPTEMBER 3

1ST XI SECOND DIVISION

Alder (1) 87-10 Prestatyn (25) 90-3

Sampath Perera passed 250 wickets for Prestatyn with a superb return of 6-19 in Saturday’s big win at Alder.

The Sri Lankan celebrated his fourth five-wicket haul of 2022 and 19th in total across the five seasons he has represented the club since 2014.

Alder won the toss and chose to bat, but were blown away for just 87 in 22.1 overs, Perera well supported by new-ball partner Benjamin Hughes’ 3-29.

Perera then starred with the bat, making 56 not out as the visitors raced to 90-3 in just 14.2 overs to seal a 25-1 points victory.

The overseas star’s innings came off just 36 balls and included 11 fours. He is just 46 runs short of reaching 2,000 for Prestatyn.

2ND XI SECOND DIVISION

Prestatyn 2nd XI (21) 187-5 Caldy 2nd XI (7) 184-3

Ashley Jones top-scored with a career best 72 not out as Prestatyn seconds pulled off an even better win than their firsts in seeing off promotion-chasing high-flyers Caldy seconds at Beach Close.

Caldy set 184-3 off 41 overs, Harry Beddard with a dominant 110 not out and Iwan Baker 50 no, Jones taking 2-56 for the hosts.

In reply, Prestatyn reached 187-5 in 48.2, Jones’ 57-ball knock including 14 fours.

Opener Lucas Sheridan contributed a useful 45, but star of the show was that man Ashley Jones.

1ST XI FIRST DIVISION

Lytham (22) 254-4 Colwyn Bay (7) 248-4 dec

Although Colwyn Bay found table-toppers Lytham just a little too strong last Saturday, the North Wales side still have a decent chance of a top-two finish and promotion.

With two rounds of matches remaining, Bay are guaranteed to end up in Division One’s top three, but are nine points behind Rainford in second.

George Johansen’s side have to be aiming at winning their final two games and then hope other results go their way.

Rainford are still catchable, but Lytham now look strong favourites for the title with an 18-point lead at the summit.

Last weekend’s battle at Lytham Cricket and Sports Club saw the Bay win the toss and bat and set a very challenging 248-5 off 49.5 overs.

Will Evans headed the assault on the home bowling with 96 off 70 balls, Sion Morris made 49, Adam Campion 46 not out and Zack Gidlow 39.

Lytham went for it from the start and eventually got to 254-4 in 55.4 overs to seal a six-wicket, 22-7 points triumph.

Guy Roberts ended on 85 not out and Myles Child made 74, Paul Jenkins moving up to 63 league wickets for the Bay this season in taking 2-72.

Played and Points (each team plays 22 games)
Lytham 20-355
Rainford 20-337
Colwyn Bay 20-328
To play:
Lytham – Sep 10: Bootle (a); Sep 17: Caldy (h)
Rainford – Sep 10: Caldy (h); Sep 17 – Sefton Park (h)
Colwyn Bay: Sep 10: Highfield (h); Sep 17: Ainsdale (a)

Bootle (6) 101-6 Northop Hall (6) 183-10 – match drawn

Jamie Hodgson top-scored with 63 as bottom side Northop Hall were 183 all out at Wadham Road.

Former Prestatyn batsman Ryan Westwell finished 47 not out as Bootle’s reply ended on 101-6, Carwyn Johnson 2-29 for the visitors.

2ND XI PREMIER DIVISION

Colwyn Bay 2nd XI (25) 185-10 Lytham 2nd XI (10) 180-10

Bay seconds remained on the title trail with a thrilling five-run win at Penrhyn Avenue.

Will Sissons (56) and Shaun Davies (32) topped the chart as the hosts were bowled out for 185 after electing to bat.

Despite being 8-3 and later 143-7, Lytham nearly reached their target but were bowled out six runs short.

New-ball bowler Jamie Moorhouse was the star for the hosts with 6-66.

2ND XI FIRST DIVISION

Northop Hall 2nd XI (6) 157-10 Old Xaverians 2nd XI (25) 184-5

Joseph Staunton (74 not out) and Matthew Barnes (53) guided Old Xaverians to a winning score of 184-5 at Smithy Lane.

For hosts Northop Hall, Caleb Dyke scooped 2-38 and Renit Adke 2-55.

Despite decent knocks from Sion Hellen (39), David Oultram (39) and Ben Arden (35) in reply, the Hall ended up 157 all out.