NEWTON Cricket Club's destiny is no longer in their own hands following Saturday's draw at home to Huyton.

Even if they win their last two games they still need other results to go their way if they are to avoid the dreaded drop.

But at least Newton still have a chance of securing their Premier Division status in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition, which may not have been the case had they failed to hang on for a share of the spoils with second-placed Huyton.

The visitors looked odds on to boost their title chances when they declared on a daunting total of 250 runs for the loss of seven wickets.

A Huyton victory looked even more likely when Newton slumped to 83-4 in their reply.

But Newton refused to go down without a fight. They showed the sort of grit and determination which has been badly missing at the Crow Lane club this season and they came close to recording an upset.

They had Huyton on the ropes at one stage but a Newton victory was a bridge too far and their innings finished on 235-9.

Newton's best batsmen were Danny Barlow, 66 runs, Ian Walkden, 35, M. Murnan, 30, Tony Boardman, 26, Ian Lyon, 23 and last man Danny Wakefield, who hit a spirited 16 to frustrate the visitors.

Wakefield also shone with the ball, taking three wickets for 67 runs. Newton's only other wicket taker was Jamaican professional Gareth Breese, who finished with figures of 3-70.

Newton's next game is against Wigan on Saturday. Victory is paramount or they can kiss their survival hopes goodbye.

Newton Seconds also drew this week. Wigan's second string provided the opposition and the result leaves Newton almost safe from relegation.

Like the first team, Newton have only two games left to play, starting with Wallasey at home on Saturday.

Newton declared on 212-6 against Wigan. Toal was unbeaten on 79 while Finney and Brookes both made 44.

Wigan's innings ended on 126-4. They were hampered by good bowling from Birchall, Jones and Warburton, who all took wickets.

Newton's third string triumphed in a low scoring match against Wigan Thirds.

They were bowled out for only 119 despite scoring 70 before they lost their first wicket.

But Newton still managed to win by nine runs and they look certain to avoid relegation with only one game left to play