Burscough are in a real scrap to avoid relegation

Jul 2 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

Burscough are in a real scrap to avoid relegation

BURSCOUGH came crashing back down to earth on Saturday - a week after their first win in the Liverpool Competition at Rainford had given them a glimmer of hope of escaping from the threat of relegation.

They picked up a meagre two points following a comprehensive eight wicket home defeat against first division title chasers Orrell Red Triangle and with 13 games remaining are 61 points behind Rainhill, who themselves are just one spot above the relegation zone.

It's going to be a tall order to avoid the drop but three of their next five games are against fellow strugglers and it's crucial maximum points are picked up in these fixtures, starting at Ainsdale on Saturday.

But Burscough will certainly have to produce better form if they are to succeed than they did at the weekend when brittle batting once more brought about their downfall.

The hosts, who batted first, looked capable of setting a challenging total after moving into the seventies for the loss of only two wickets (McCord 36), only for the innings to fold in dramatic fashion and leaving Orrell what proved to be an easy target.

It was a disastrous day all-round for the club with the second team going down by 107 runs at Orrell and losing third spot in the table to Wavertree.

The Wigan side posted a total of 215-6 declared from 41.1 overs and in reply Burscough were dismissed for 108 (Andrews 27, Heath 22, Holt 3-7, Sixsmith 3-25).

On Saturday, the second XI entertain Ainsdale.