A FLUENT knock from Tim McKiernan was the lone highlight for Leigh at the weekend.

They slumped to a limp defeat at league leaders Wallasey, never really getting to grips with the game.

At first, however, it looked good as they restricted their rivals to 173-5 from 45 overs on an excellent batting track. Seven dropped catches, however, told a sorry tale.

Bowling honours were shared among Greg Dimery, David Potter and Bill Banner, the latter keeping a tight line and length towards the end of the innings.

In reply Leigh had a disastrous start. Their top three were removed cheaply. And, at 34-3 and missing influential skipper Dave Dove, the task looked a difficult one.

Wickets continues to fall at a steady rate, only McKiernan offering resistance with his 48, which included 10 fours in a stay of 90 minutes.

A rain interruption meant Leigh required 90 from the remaining 12 overs with 6 wickets in hand.

Some questionable batting followed, ending when Graham Duddle's middle stump was uprooted.

On Saturday (2pm) Leigh entertain Northrop Hall at Beech Walk.

Leigh 3rd KO'd holders Oxton from the Littlewoods EmBee Cup.

Good bowling from Neil Bassett, Justin Pugh, Paul Blackburn and Dave Marshall held Oxton to a trim 130.

But Leigh got off to a bad start with Daniel Taylor run out from a direct hit. Good partnerships from Peter Taylor and Michael Bond, Terry Kennedy and Derrick Ainscough, Phil Edwards and Bassett kept Leigh in the run chase.

In the end it came down to the last pair - wicketkeeper Paul Redford and No 11 Marshall - with four runs wanted for victory. And Redford unceremoniously despatched the ball to the boundary for the winning four.

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