SUTTON suffered defeats by Ainsdale on Saturday in matches sponsored by Queen Street Garage of Ormskirk.

The first team's day at the seaside started well as Ainsdale were dismissed for 134 in 50 overs. Another exceptional fielding display boosted the bowlers and a terrific spell from the fiery Shaun Anders put the skids under the early order.

His 4-14 return was well backed up by the accuracy of Mark Reynolds and a fine display of wrist spin by Martin Harvey (3-23). Keiron Barr chipped in with two wickets and two brilliant catches to complete a satisfying first half.

If Anders had bowled quickly the Ainsdale Kiwi pro was lightning. Only Dave Hodgson (16) of the first six Sutton batsmen troubled the scorer and at 22-6 the innings was in tatters.

But thanks to some sensible play by Mike Rimmer and some big hitting by Ian Greener and Ste Burrows, Sutton recovered and when Andy Brogan battered 20 runs to take Sutton to 108 it needed another burst from the New Zealander to see off Sutton's late challenge.

The second teams bowling was plundered to the tune of 203-1 by the visiting Ainsdale second string but Jeff Pye's men came out with all guns blazing.

A stand of 90 by openers Jukes and Lawton set the theme and Phil Kelly made a splendid return to his best form in the middle order. His 50, with support all down the order, looked to have set up a famous win but his demise with victory in sight saw Sutton all out for 200 in an exciting finale.

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