New Brighton still top after deluge

Aug 20 2007 by James Pearce, Liverpool Daily Post

NEW BRIGHTON remain top of the Liverpool Competition Premier Division after rain decimated the weekend programme.

No matches were completed on Saturday and six of the seven top-flight matches were abandoned without a ball being bowled.

The only action was at Firwood Bootle in their crunch title showdown with the leaders.

After winning the toss in a game which didn't start until 2.30pm, champions Bootle stuck New Brighton into bat and they soon stamped their authority on proceedings.

Will Purser claimed 5-20 as New Brighton were dismissed for just 74 in 29 overs. Matt Thompson top scored with 19.

In reply Bootle slumped to 64 for seven off 25.3 overs but a thrilling finale failed to materialise as the heavens opened and the game was abandoned.

Louis Botes took 4-26 for New Brighton, while Stephen Parry top -scored for Bootle with 27.

The matches involving Lytham v Leigh, Maghull v Hightown, Ormskirk v Colwyn Bay, St Helens Recs v Huyton, Southport and Birkdale v Northern and Wallasey v Fleetwood Hesketh were rained off.

All clubs in the Premier Division took five points from the weekend so the standings remain unchanged.

Leaders New Brighton enjoy an 11-point lead with five matches to play.

There was also only play in one of the seven First Division matches.

Northop Hall had high hopes of leapfrogging Sefton Park into second spot with victory at home to bottom club Southport Trinity.

Hall were put into bat by Trinity at Smithy Lane and they declared on 183 for seven after 40 overs.

James Dyer led the way with 56, while Simon Butler chipped in with 41.

Kashif Shafi was the pick of Trinity's bowling attack with 4-38.

In reply, Trinity's run chase had progressed to 56 for one off 15 overs when rain stopped play at 5.25pm.