ALEX ROBERTS produced a stunning all-round performance to help New Brighton secure an emphatic 125-run win over Fleetwood Hesketh in the Business Assistance Liverpool Competition Premier League.
The 25-year-old, who was released by Essex last year, struck 122 not out in New Brighton’s total of 228-3 declared off 54 overs.
The Cumberland Minor Counties player shared a stand of 102 for the third wicket with Paul Hale (45).
Roberts then shone with the ball as he claimed 4-16 to help blow Hesketh away for just 103.
Nazim Mohammed chipped in with 3-36, while Derek Sykes provided some resistance with 53.
Victory helped push New Brighton up to fourth place after a mixed start to the campaign for Tim Watkins’ side.
Firwood Bootle continue to set the pace after fighting back to win a low scoring game at Southport & Birkdale.
After being put into bat, Bootle were dismissed for just 108 off 31.2 overs as James Dixon claimed 7-43.
However, Southport struggled in reply and slipped to 68 all out.
Bootle skipper David Snellgrove, who had earlier top scored with 39, bagged 4-5. Colwyn Bay are second after a thrilling six-run win at home to Newton-le-Willows.
Sion Morris struck 70 not out in Bay’s total of 154 off 52 overs as Mike Walkden claimed 4-32.
Newton’s run chase fell just short with Aussie Nathan Rimmington doing most of the damage with 4-46
Wallasey’s wait for a first win of the season goes on after they failed to polish off Formby’s tail.
Mark Wilkie top scored with 45 in Wallasey’s 178-7 declared off 49.3 overs.
John Murphy put Formby on the back foot with 4-28 but they hung on at 123-9 off 44 overs. Northern’s clash at third placed Northop Hall ended in stalemate. The hosts posted 200-8 declared off 66 overs with Jan Gadzina taking 4-54.
Simon Butler then claimed 4-51 as Northern limped to 121-7 off 38 overs.
Hightown secured a surprise 50-run win at champions Ormskirk.
After electing to bat, Hightown post 186 off 49.1 overs with Karanveer Singh hitting 58. Their progress was checked by Martyn Farrell (5-60).
Ian Sutcliffe then took centre stage with a match-winning haul of 6-17 as Ormskirk were dismissed for 136.
Lytham piled more misery on bottom club Prestatyn with a thumping 127-run victory.
Marcus Sharp was their hero as he returned impressive figures of 7-13 to help dismiss the Welsh outfit for just 33 inside 14 overs. Jimmy Wisniewski (71) had earlier led Lytham to 160-4 declared off 29.2 overs.
