Golden Bootle go clear at top

Bootle, who were runners-up to Ormskirk last year, are already 22 points clear after six rounds of matches in the Business Assistance Liverpool Competition Premier League.

Their latest triumph was a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over third-placed Northop Hall, who were whisked out for 97. Mark O'Conor took 4-35 before skipper Dave Snellgrove completed formalities with an undefeated 64.

Second-placed Colwyn Bay were frustrated by the elements at Fleetwood Hesketh, where their rain affected run chase ended after 29 overs on 110 for six. Neil Rimmer (74) and Derek Sykes (47no) enjoyed a century partnership as Hesketh reached 156 for two declared off 41 overs.

New Brighton bossed proceedings against Hightown after Cumberland's in-form Alex Roberts (50) and Paul Hale (65) had featured in a total of 192 for five.

Hightown lost early wickets, but refused to lie down as their last pair forced a draw at 134 for nine with Ashraf Nawab finishing with an impressive 4-18.

Draw specialists Northern eeked out a fifth successive statemate though the weather ruined affairs with Formby 135 for three chasing 193.

Jack Boardman (59) and Paul Park (41) top scored for Northern with Thomas Sephton (5-49) prominent for Formby, for whom Jusin Waller, who plays for East Dolphins in Sydney Grade cricket, was left marooned eight runs short of his century on 92 not out.

Ormskirk have a lot of ground to make up if they are to retain their championship, but a nine-wicket win over winless Prestatyn left them fifth, with 75 points.

The Welshmen lost three wickets for one run and were 77 all out, with Nicky Caunce (4-20) and Martyn Farrell (4-18) doing the damage.

Ormskirk took less than ten overs to knock off the runs. Wallasey too are struggling, having harboured a first win after pegging Lytham to 154 for nine. But they slumped to 91 for seven and were 17 runs adrift at 138 for seven at stumps.

Newton le Willows' woe continued as they were dismissed for 108 by Southport & Birkdale with James Dixon in top demolition mode with 6-37.

Half-centuries by Mark Fletcher and Australian Ashton May, from the ACT in Canberra, had helped S & B post 193 for four.