WALLASEY lead the Love Lane Liverpool Competition Premier League by 44 points after they thrashed struggling Southport and Birkdale at Rake Lane.

Sumit Ruikar continued his incredible season with the ball in claiming 5-51 as the visitors were bundled out for 96 in 31.2 overs before 63 from Jamie Crawley ensured the game was over inside 50 overs.

Birkenhead Park are one place above Southport and Birkdale in the relegation zone after a draw with Wigan. Wicket-keeper Steve Hird’s unbeaten 54 allowed the Wirral outfit to declare on 208-7 off 55 overs. Ahmad Safi Abdullah then claimed 5-92, but the visitors held out to finish on 180-8.

New Brighton fell to an unlikely defeat at Leigh after posting 287-6 off 47.2 overs thanks to a century from David While (101) and 76 from Dan Cooke. A huge third wicket partnership of 195 between former Lancashire batter Karl Brown (107) and Matthew Hurst (85) ensured a four wicket win for the hosts.

Caldy’s struggles continue at the foot of Division One after Highfield racked up 303-3 off 43 overs. Jack Perry then managed to hit 49 but the visitors were bowled out for 102.

Winless Parkfield Liscard look doomed at the bottom of Division Two after falling to another heavy defeat at home to Alder who amassed 227-7 before bowling the hosts out for just 59.

In Division One of the Cheshire Cricket League, Wirral won a tight game against Heaton Mersey after Dominic Develing took 4-32 to restrict the visitors to 138-9. Thomas Muise (49no) top scored as the hosts completed a two-wicket victory.

Irby got the better of Cheshire County Officers in Division Two with Casey Sawley-Elliott taking 3-70 as the hosts made 212-8. Matt Garrett hit 48 as the visitors chased the target for the loss of seven wickets.

Division Three saw defeats for both Tranmere Vics and Burton.