HAYDOCK continued their Southport and District Cricket League title pursuit with an eight-wicket victory over Charnock Richard

Batting first Charnock Richard's batsmen started brightly enough with S Marsh and G Threlfall both enjoying early success. Haydocks bowlers, however, stepped up a gear and when Marsh went for 30 Threlfall quickly followed for 28 Charnock Richard were in complete disarray as Dave Burrows and Darren Mathews took complete control with the ball.

Burrows finished with 4/25 and Mathewsreturned figures of 3/12. Ian Rutter (28 not out) tried to hang around but the bowling of Burrows and Mathews saw him run out of partners as Charnock Richard declared on 115-9 from 50 overs.

The Haydock batsmen came out in determined mood and never looked in any trouble as Craig Gardner and Rob Burke set about their task with great aplomb. Gardner sent the ball to all parts before being dismissed on 48. Rob Burke also put the bowlers to the sword. With a mixture of firm drives and some powerful pull shots Burke showed his class with numerous boundaries finishing with a fine 48. Billy Hurst (9 not out) and Tony Derbyshire (10 not out) were both there at the end as Haydock took 20 points and a good win making 116-2 at stumps.

The seconds also won but had a much closer game against Charnock Richard's seconds.

Batting Charnock Richard made 132-7.

Steve Plant was rewarded with 1-18 from his spell, Alan Lever 1-16, Paul Roberts 1-14 and Paul Johnson 2-27.

In reply. Dave Jones hit a fine 59 not out. Ian Brown made a maiden 50 and Haydock reached 133-9 and a good win.

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