All the latest from Burscough cricket

Jun 25 2009 by James Connor, Ormskirk Advertiser

All the latest from Burscough cricket

MARATHON man Ben McCord masterminded Burscough's first win of the season in the Liverpool Competition and gave the division one strugglers much needed confidence and impetus to take into their forthcoming fixtures.

Mighty McCord hit an unbeaten 104 and then claimed 4-39 as the hosts crumbled to 130 all out in reply to Burscough's total of 236-8 declared from 56 overs.

The New Zealand professional batted more than 50 overs and followed this up by bowling a dozen overs - a gargantuan effort which resulted in him being totally involved in the game for more than six hours.

"It was a phenomenal all-round performance and a joy to watch " said elated skipper Alan Murray.

The Kiwi paced his knock to the point of perfection, digging-in early on in the face of some hostile bowling on a tricky wicket and then cutting loose late in the innings with a plethora of fours and sixes.

McCord was given great support by Lee Berrie, who blasted 57 in a crucial middle-of-the innings partnership.

Jon Stone stroked a cultured 30-plus and Trevor Webster weighed-in with a useful 17 as Burscough recovered from the 18-3 to reach their final total, thanks to a combination of dogged and sensible batting.

The 2nd X1 toppled to only their third defeat of the season, going down by 45 runs to Wavertree at School Lane.

The Liverpool side batted first and posted a total of 176-9 declared from 55 overs

(Steve Cleary 4-20) and in reply Burscough were dismissed for 131 (Dave Atherton 39).

On Saturday, the 1st X1 entertain Orrell Red Triangle and the two second teams meet in the reverse fixture.