Hadden century keeps Formby in charge

Aug 6 2007 by Chris Beesley, Liverpool Daily Post

FORMBY are well out in front in the Competition’s First Division promotion race.

But there is a rare old scrap going on behind them.

Newton-le-Willows moved into second place yesterday with a four wicket win at Liverpool in a re-arranged game. The home side began well, reaching 65 without loss before three wickets tumbled on that score. It got worse as they lost four wickets on 73, before Martin Ho, 16, helped them to 140 (47) with an unbeaten 52 (10 fours). Danny Barlow took 4-24 and Mike Walkden 4-38.

The visitors lost two early wickets, three more with the total on 117, but Marc Debrabander (66 not out, six fours) guided them home. Shiv Das took 3-21.

Relegation-threatened Southport Trinity will be kicking themselves after off-spinner Kashif Shafi’s excellent spell of 6-58 restricted Sefton to 146. Trinity then slumped to 28-3 before Shafi again took control with a fine 83 (10 fours). Dave Kirby, enjoying a fine debut for Sefton with 5-40, and Rob Houghton (4-50) ensured wickets tumbled at the other end, but Shafi fell with his side five runs short going for a big hit.

Northop Hall added to bottom side Rainhill‘s troubles, defeating them by four wickets. The visitors reached 169 (Mike Rotheram 61), Danny Nolan taking 5-35. Nick Jewitt (71 not out) guided the Welshmen to victory, while Anthony Wilding took 5-78.

Dave Hadden provided the platform for Formby with an unbeaten 115 (23 fours). Stephen O’Keefe’s 6-70 had shackled St Helens to 194.

Highfield came off second best against Prestatyn.