NEWTON le Willows responsed to the blow of being docked 80 points for fielding an inelgible player by thrashing New Brighton in Love Lane Liverpool Competition Premier League.

Chris Chamber's side, who have performed well in their first season back in the top tier since promotion, are now in a relegation battle and lie bottom of the table after it was found that their Pakistani batter Rizwan Haider was registered as an overseas amateur despite playing as a professional in Staffordshire in 2019, and first-class cricket in 2018.

The team's frustrations were taken out at New Brighton as father and son duo Ben Walkden (50) and Ian Walkden (60no) helped the visitors reach 186 all out. Afaq Ali Sartaj then took 7-36 and Matt Parkinson 3-47 as the hosts were bowled out for 88.

Ormskirk racked up a total of 257-6 at Rainhill who were then bowled out for 112 with Sam Kershaw's 50 the only highlight. 

In Division One, third-placed Rainford are pushing hard for promotion after drawing with Colwyn Bay who lie second. The Welsh side posted a formidable 255-4 before Craig Woods (79) and John Dotters (50) led the chase which saw the visitors close on 238-8.

St Helens Town top Division Two after a thrilling win over fellow promotion chasers Old Xaverians. Sharan Rajendran (5-67) and Danny Feeney (3-43) helped restrict the hosts to 170 all out. Wickets then fell reguarly until it was left to the last wicket pair to scramble a run off the last ball of the match and seal the victory for Town. 

Three wickets apiece from Sutton's Joe Smith (3-31), Natalie Brown (3-36) and Andy Cowley (3-39) ensured Wavertree were bowled out for 176 at The New Street Oval. Smith then hit an unbeaten 116 as Sutton powered their way to the target for the loss of four wickets. 

In the Southport and District League, Haydock's Babu Nallusamy took 3-23 as Goose Green were dismissed for 180. The same player then hit 52 as Nallusamy and M Redman (63) led their side to a two wicket victory.

Ken Highdale's 60 was the highlight as Prescot and Odyssey made 173 all out at Mossley Hill. Kurt Sabela (4-20) and Nathan Dagnall (4-52) did the damage with the ball as the hosts were dismissed for 137.