SUTTON opener Dave Hodgson cracked a career-best 118 not out against Mersey Park on Saturday but still ended up a loser.

In partnership with skipper Steve Wearden (77 not out), Hodgson achieved his milestone as Sutton piled up 203-1 declared on a good surface at the Park.

Both players worked hard to demoralise the home bowlers initially and then cashed in to post a club record partnership.

After tea an early strike by the fiery Sean Anders seemed to put Sutton on the victory road to their credit the home batsmen went on the attack to take their score to 60-1 before the introduction of Andy Brogan led to two wickets falling quickly.

The game swung both ways and the fine spin bowling of Mark Reynolds (4-49) kept Sutton in the hunt.

Unfortunately too many Sutton deliveries were boundary balls and Mersey Park confidently completed their win at 206-8 in the last over leaving Sutton wondering just how victory had escaped them.

The seconds also lost out in the last over at New Street. Sutton recorded 148 all out thanks to Brian Wearden who continued his good form with 61.

Shower dodging disrupted the game as Sutton strove to reach their total with skipper Jeff Pye leading by example with 27 as Sutton declared at 50 overs. The visitors prospered in the second half thanks to a rash of dropped catches which probably cost Sutton the game. Ray Foster bowled well for his four wickets but Mersey Park ran out winners in the last over with three wickets in hand.

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