Burscough are already in danger of a relegation battle

Jun 18 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

BURSCOUGH are embroiled in a battle to avoid relegation from the Liverpool Competition and the season hasn't reached the half-way stage yet, writes John Yates.

The first division strugglers lie second from the basement of the table with a meagre 57 points from 11 games and are a massive 66 points behind neighbours Skelmersdale, who are just above the drop zone.

Their latest setback came against Rainhill at School Lane on Saturday and once more brittle batting was largely responsible for a 78-run defeat.

Rainhill, who batted first, posted a total of 237-6 declared from 53.4 overs (Paul Ford 53 no, Simon Brown 40), and in reply Burscough started soundly and at 79-2 looked to be in with an outside chance of claiming their first league success of the campaign.

However, four more wickets tumbled in a matter of overs due to slipshod batting and they were left facing an uphill battle to survive.

Middle-order man Mark Rawsthorne showed there were no terrors in the wicket by stroking an unbeaten 46 but he eventually ran out of partners as the home team’s innings closed on 159 (Mansoor Ahmed 4-26).

Openers Alan Murray and Mike Cooney and overseas professional Ben McCord were the only other real contributors to the total, but all perished in the 20s.

The 2nd X1 maintained third spot in the table despite being held to a draw at Parkfield Liscard.

The hosts, who batted first hammered 221-6 declared (Rob Glaysher 3-87) and in reply Burscough were forced to cling on at 133-7 (Kendall 42no).

On Saturday, the 1st X1 make the short trip to Rainford while the second team entertain Wavertree.

“The cricket club is once more staging the Burscough FC Supporters’ Club six-a-side competition.

It will be held on Sunday August 2, and has already attracted its full quota of entries.