Skem hang on to deny Wavertree victory

Aug 18 2008 by James Pearce, Liverpool Daily Post

JOSH BIRCH smashed a century but Wavertree were denied victory as Skelmersdale hung on for a draw in their First Division basement battle.

The 23-year-old hammered 126 not out off just 97 balls in Wavertree's total of 234-3 declared off 50 overs.

However, last pair Michael Till (22no) and Louis Welsh (7no) dug deep to deny Wavertree as Skem finished on 144-9 off 51 overs.

Leaders Northop Hall were denied by the weather on Saturday but Rainford failed to take advantage as they slumped to a five-wicket defeat at fifth-placed Orrell Red Triangle.

Liverpool’s Shiv Das maintained his stunning run of form with 160 at home to Northop Hall.

The Indian shared a stand of 126 for the third wicket with Stephen Nealey (62) as Liverpool posted a massive 289-3 declared off 63 overs.

In reply Hall reached 194-3 in 34.2 overs before the rain arrived.

Leigh remain three points adrift of top spot after the elements brought an early end to proceedings at Wigan.

The hosts posted 190-9 off 55 overs.

In reply Leigh reached 120-6 in 27.2 overs with Steven Bailey unbeaten on 38.

Newton-le-Willows are up to fourth place after hammering Ainsdale by eight wickets.

Newton-le-Willows needed 27.4 overs to reach their target and provide a real boost to their title hopes.

Highfield slipped to sixth after a four-wicket defeat at home to Sefton Park.

Opener Ben Moore put Sefton on course for victory with 64 and after a middle order wobble David Baird (33no) and man of the match Calrow (18no) saw them home.

There was more misery for winless Huyton as St Helens wrapped up an eight-wicket win.

St Helens quickly raced to 68-2 in just 11.4 overs thanks to Darren Tyms (27) and Robert Supria (25no).