NEWTON le Willows future remains unclear after a heavy defeat to Leigh left them 31 points from safety with 50 to play for in the Liverpool Competition Premier League.

Saddled with an 80 point penalty for fielding an inelgible player, Chris Chambers' side have won just once in their last six games and unless a legal challenge to their punishment is successful they look to be heading back to Division One. 

Afaq Ali Sartaj took 7-64 as Leigh were bowled out for 173 but the host's reply crumbled as they were dismissed for 98. 

Sam Kershaw hit 68 for Rainhill as they reached 223 all out against New Brighton at Rake Lane. Dan Kelly (3-64) and Kershaw with 3-62 pushed hard for a Rainhill victory but the hosts held out for the draw finishing on 182-9. 

Rainford occupy the second promotion spot in Division One after John Dotters (5-38) helped bowl out Spring View for 125. Paul Farrar top scored with an unbeaten 44 as the visitors chased down the target for the loss of five wickets.

St Helens Town are top of Division Two with one game to play after Ellis Taylor (60) and Dan Roberts (50) led them to declare on 223-9 against Maghull. Craig Black's 3-23 was crucial as Town completed a 27 run victory. They will now be promoted if they beat Southport Trinity on Saturday. 

Sutton lost to one of the sides chasing St Helens despite posting a total of 203 all out against Old Xaverians. Jamie Greener took 4-71 but the hosts chased down the target for the loss of eight wickets.

In the Southport and District Premier League, Prescot and Odyssey suffered a thrashing at the hands of Merseyside Commonwealth Conference after they were bowled out for 76. The hosts completed a nine wicket win soon after.

Chris Bretherton (3-20) and Vijayakumar Palanisamy (3-37) bowled well for Haydock against Whitefield who were dismissed for a massive 283. Haydock made 116 all out in reply.