Liverpool Competition cricket: Colwyn Bay are so close again, Northop Hall romp to victory

Tom Clarke took six wickets for Colwyn Bay at Rainford. Picture: RAY HIBBS PHOTOGRAPHY – huge thanks as always Ray

LIVERPOOL AND DISTRICT CRICKET COMPETITION REPORTS – SATURDAY, JULY 5

1ST XI ECB PREMIER LEAGUE

Rainford 1st XI (8) 192-9 dec Colwyn Bay 1st XI (8) 190-8

Charlie Collins claimed a couple of wickets for the visitors

For the second week running Colwyn Bay came so close to victory but could not quite get over the line.

With overseas left-arm spinner Dulanjala Mendis still out with a dislocated finger, the Bay attack did well to limit Rainford to 192-9 declared off 48 overs, Tom Clarke with an excellent 6-84 and Charlie Collins pocketing 2-52.

Bay’s wicket-keeper Luke Russell claims a catch

In reply, Bay were 68-0 and 163-2, but when the overs ran out they had only made 190-8, three short of the winning post, meaning the game ended in a draw, eight points apiece.

Opener Dan Russell top-scored with 62 and Sion Morris was still there at the end on 57, but the middle order did not produce enough runs.

However, Bay are now off the bottom of the table, Birkenhead Park having dropped below them.

1ST XI DIVISION TWO

Parkfield Liscard 1st XI (4) 93-10 Northop Hall 1st XI (24) 197-9 dec

James Hurlin had a fine all-round game for Northop Hall

Hall returned to winning ways in convincing fashion with a 104-run victory at Pembertons Meadow.

Put into bat, the Flintshire visitors chalked up 197-9 declared off 54.5 overs, James Hurlin best with 50, while Carwyn Johnson made 35, Nuwan Chathuranga 5-66 for the hosts.

Hurlin completed a memorable day with 5-25 off 9.5 as Parkfield were sent packing for just 93, Paul Jenkins for once taking second billing with 4-45 from 18.

Hall remain firmly entrenched in the top three.

Prescot & Odyssey 1st XI (24) 193-10 Prestatyn 1st XI (6) 114-10

Skipper Adam Tidswell took 5-78, Navneet Kaimal 3-42 and Ben Hughes 2-37 as Prestatyn dismissed hosts Prescot and Odyssey for 193 after putting them into bat.

In response, the Welsh side could only muster 114 all out, Jack Cheetham a battling 35 down the order,

2ND XI DIVISION ONE

Colwyn Bay 2nd XI (7) 228-9 Orrell Red Triangle 2nd XI (9) 254-4 dec

Leaders Bay seconds were forced to cling on for a draw after visitors Orrell Red Triangle seconds had set a big total to chase.

Triangle amassed 254-4 declared off just 40 overs, Oliver Mahoney 67 and Tom Such 63 not out, Finn Eames-Hughes 2-45 for the hosts.

Bay finished on 228-9 at the end of 53 overs, Sam Costley a magnificent 103 off 98 balls including 15 fours and a six, Thomas Brayshay 36 and James Jones 35.

2ND XI DIVISION TWO

Prestatyn 2nd XI (0) 72-10 Prescot & Odyssey 2nd XI (20) 75-1

Jason Edwards (25) and Sulaiman Ahmad (23) were the only double-figure contributors as Prestatyn seconds were bowled out for just 72, Dean Fairclough 6-28 for Prescot and Odyssey seconds, who went on to easily reach 75-1 in only 11.1 overs.