Bootle tighten grip on top spot.

Byline: JAMES PEARCE 

BOOTLE strengthened their grip on top spot in the Business Assistance Liverpool Competition Premier League with an emphatic ninewicket victory over fellow high-flyers New Brighton at Wadham Road.

The leaders opted to bowl first and the decision paid off with Mark O'Connor (4- 37)and Aussie Pat Jackson (5-52)limiting the Wirral club to 145 all out off 41 overs.

Opener John While struck 41 but New Brighton never recovered from being 19-3 and it took a gutsy 37 from tail-ender Ashraf Nawab to boost their total after they were 83-7.

Bootle made light work of their run chase as openers Steven Mullaney (55) and skipper David Snellgrove (68no) put on 107 for the first wicket.

They reached their target off 31 overs as Snellgrove passed 500league runs for the season.

Colwyn Bay are clear in second place - 24 points behind Bootle - after inflicting a third successive defeat on Northern, who are now in the bottom t h r ee.

Nathan Rimmington (80no) and Sion Morris (65) shared a third-wicket stand of 140 as Bay posted 164-3 declared off 41.4 overs.

James Cole struck 66 in Northern's reply but their chase fell 12 r uns short with Ryan Holtby taking a career best 6-33.

Fleetwood Hesketh suffered a shock six-wicket defeat at bottom club Prestatyn.

Hesketh were in control as Neil Rimmer (86) and Derek Sykes (90) put on 117 for the second wicket in their 203-3 declared off 44.3 overs.

However, their bowlers struggled and the previously winless Welshmen took full advantage.

Gareth Boughey hammered 93 off 89 balls and Russell Walker hit 53 as Prestatyn reached their target with 16 balls to spare.

Southport & Birkdale secured a thrilling onewicket win at home to Hightown.

The hosts appeared to be cruising after bowling Hightown out for 118 off 37.4 overs but it was hard work in reply.

Andrew Warhurst (3-16) and Ashok Thakur (3-44) kept Hightown in contention but Southport got home thanks to 30 apiece from skipper Mark Fletcher and Kyle Cranston.

Wallasey moved out of the drop zone with a ninewicket demolition of fellow strugglers Newton le Willows.

Formby were held to a draw at home to Lytham.

Justin Waller (80) and Anthony Poole (71no) put on 116 in For mby's 192-4 declared off 42.3 overs.

James Beckingham then took 7-71 but Lytham survived to close on 169-8..Wallasey moved out of the drop zone after blasting Newton

CAPTION(S):

Fleetwood Hesketh opener Steve Williams guides the ball away for runs