LEIGH Fourths enjoyed their fifth win of the season at nearby Newton, taking some satisfaction after the reverse result suffered by their Under 17's on the same pitch earlier in the day.

After inviting the home side to bat on what looked like being a difficult wicket, Leigh took full advantage by bowling out their hosts for 81 in 36 overs.

Only skipper Birchall and young Fearnley offered any real resistance, Birchall being last out for 39, as Leigh's young side fielded magnificently in support of their bowlers. Bradley Houghton in particular was outstanding. Gavin Brennan's opening six overs yielded only 8 runs, whilst Kieran Grundy and Tim Edwards started the rout with a wicket each. The spin of Chris Waywell and Anthony Bentham then took over, with Waywell taking 2 and Bentham 5 of the remaining wickets, finishing with figures of 5 for 14 from his 9 overs.

Despite the low total, Leigh were not expecting an easy ride, and duly lost Matthew Hibbert in the third over with the score on 2. Runs did initially prove very difficult to come by, with the score stuck on 18 for four consecutive overs up to the 13th.

However, Steve Waywell batting solidly for 18, supported Anthony Bentham's 58, seeing Leigh through to a 9 wicket victory in the 27th over. This was a well-earned win taking Leigh's recent tally to five victories and a draw in their last seven matches.