NEWTON le Willows have one foot in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition Premier League after a one-sided win against Fleetwood Hesketh.

Afaq Ali Sartaj claimed six for 39 helped dismiss the hosts for 105, before Ben Walkden’s 71 saw the visitors ease their way to an eight-wicket victory. The win means the Crow Lane East outfit are 27 points above second placed Birkenhead Park with two games to play in Division One.

Heading the other way though is St Helens Town whose relegation to Division Two was confirmed following a heavy home defeat to Colwyn Bay. The Welshman declared on 225 for five off 51 overs and made quick work of reducing the hosts to four for three before they eventually bowled out for just 74.

Rainford remain in promotion contention in third following a 29 run win over Northop Hall. William Threlkeld hit 61 out of the host's total of 164 before skipper John Dotters claimed five for 54 to seal a victory which leaves his side just four points behind Birkenhead Park.

In the Premier Division, Rainhill suffered a heavy defeat to champions elect Northern who reached 220 for six at Victoria Terrace before the hosts slumped to 109 all out in reply.

Sutton recorded a good win in Division Two after Ben Scott's six for 38 helped dismiss bottom side Norley Hall for 142. Skipper Joseph Noctor then hit 51 as his side reached the target for the loss of six wickets.