Skem beaten but escape relegation trapdoor

Sep 18 2008 by Dave Chalmers, Ormskirk Advertiser

Skem beaten but escape relegation trapdoor

SKELMERSDALE'S 1st XI ended a tough 2008 campaign with a 71-run home defeat to Newton-le-Willows, but with their new-found Liverpool Competition status intact.

Phil Armstrong reached 50 wickets for the season as the visitors, needing a win to secure promotion to the premier division, ran-up 184-6 on a wet Scott Rees Park wicket.

Jonas Smith (21) gave Skem a solid start in reply and Barry Leadbetter slammed 41, but their efforts were in vain as Skem were dismissed for just 113.

Skem seconds, already Merseyside & Southport Alliance champions, triumphed at Rainhill to equal Norley Hall's record 490 points haul.

Spinners Tony Manley (6-23) and Steve Maddocks (4-33) starred with the ball as Rainhill remarkably collapsed from 73-1 to 117 all out.

An undefeated half-century from opener Mike Moss and 31 from Peter Atherton helped the champions reach their target with three wickets to spare.

The 2XI now joins the first team in the Liverpool Competition.