SUTTON slumped further down the table when they were outplayed by champions Aigburth at New Street on Saturday.

Batting first, Sutton lost a wicket in the first over. But Bowles and Hodgson took the score into the 30's with a good stand until Hodgson's dismissal led to the now customary Sutton collapse.

Bowles stood firm for his 26 runs while others perished and as so often it was then left to the lower order to fight it out.

Not for the first time this season the efforts of Kelly and Reynolds saved Sutton from total humiliation and they carried the score to 95 for 7 at which point the last three wickets fell in quick succession to leave Sutton 96 all out.

Aigburth almost apologetically knocked off the required runs for the loss of one wicket with only the accurate Ray Foster showing any control.

With so little to bowl at the Sutton attack could hardly be blamed for the ease with which the visitors completed their victory.

Sutton visit Mossley Hill this week and a win is the only way to get the season back on steam.

The seconds bowled out Aigburth for 170 with the veteran Stu Rimmer leading the way with 4-46.

Skipper Jeff Pye took 4-32 in a good outfield display by the Sutton team.

In reply the batsmen were unable to come to terms with home attack and were left hanging on at 119-9 at the close to salvage a draw.

Rimmer (23) and Andy Brogan (27) were the men on form for Sutton but special mention goes to junior Gareth Powell and Steve Greener who saw out eight overs to frustrate the home side and save the game for Sutton against the league leaders.

In midweek the Sutton under 15 eleven beat Norley Hall.

Sutton knocked 101 and bowled Norley out for 95. Darren Hockenhull hit 23 and Steve Feeney 17 in the Sutton cause, while Ste Moss and Karl Pennington bowled well to restrict the home team.

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