Victory boosts Knockout Trophy semi-final chances

Leigh topple

champions

EDS Leigh gained a tremendous victory against league champions Wallasey to make up for the disappointment of the previous week's narrow defeat against Bootle and boost their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals of the Premier League Knockout Trophy.

After a slow start they recovered well to reach a highly respectable total and then their bowlers performed superbly to dismiss the home side's strong batting line-up and gain a 59-run win.

Steven Mullaney (24) and Dave Dove (25) initially had to work hard for their runs against some typically accurate Wallasey bowling on a wicket that behaved awkwardly. With Tim Rees being unlucky to be dismissed lbw for 0 they had scored only 64-3 off 25 overs with Paul Thistlethwaite (2-24) causing problems.

Heath Pedrola and Andy Batterley had set about making a recovery and eventually produced a fine 118-run partnership. After last week's half century on his debut for the club, Pedrola was again in great form, his 72 coming off 80 balls including eleven fours and a six with 15 runs coming off one over from the unfortunate Doggett.

Batterley, although not timing the ball as well as he would have liked, batted with great determination until he was unlucky to be run out after a mix-up just four runs short of his half century. Leigh lost two more wickets in the last two overs as they chased quick runs but a total of 198-7 off 45 overs was more than satisfactory after being under pressure early on.

Wallasey were contained from the outset by some excellent Leigh bowling. Greg Jennings was promoted to open the bowling and again performed impressively, his four overs costing 12 runs. The left arm seamers of Paul Vallance (3 for 35), assisted by some brilliant wicketkeeping by Gareth Cross, and the left arm spin of Chris Melia (1 for 17) tied the batsmen down as the home side struggled to make any headway.

None were frustrated more than opener Mike Beaver, the Wallasey captain, who took 77 balls to reach 29 before being smartly run out. He was soon followed by the dangerous Conlan to leave his side in disarray at 80-6 off 27 overs.

More excellent bowling from Dave Potter (2-18) and Ronnie Davis (2-13), who returned for a second spell to finish off the innings, resulted in the home side being dismissed for 139 in the 37th over with only Bourne (28 not out) putting up any real resistance.

Leigh now look forward to the visit of Wigan to Beech Walk this saturday and, after this morale boosting success, must be strong favourites to record yet another victory over their local rivals.