NEWTON Cricket Club are in desperate need of a winning run after slumping to their fourth consecutive defeat at Crow Lane on Saturday.

They are staring defeat in the face in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition and with only five games left to play they cannot afford to make many more slip-ups.

They will need to win at least two of the games to avoid the drop and the Bank Holiday weekend will play a big part in deciding their destiny.

Newton travel to Northop Hall, who they defeated earlier in the season, on Saturday and play host to near neighbours Leigh on Bank Holiday Monday.

Meanwhile, Newton's Achilles' heel at Crow Lane on Saturday was their batting.

They only managed to score 126 runs against Lytham and the visitors were able to reach their target for the loss of only three wickets.

The only players to emerge with any credit from the game for Newton were Mike Walkden, who made 49 with the bat, and D. Wakefield, who took two wickets for 38 runs.

Newton's second string should go into their double header with Leigh on Saturday and Sefton on Bank Holiday Monday full of confidence after improving their chances of avoiding relegation with a splendid victory at Huyton Seconds.

Huyton made a daunting total of 207 runs for the loss of eight wickets. Jones took 6-67 and Scott finished with figures of 2-28.

In reply, Newton batted exceptionally well and they reached their target with three balls to spare. Scott, 34 runs, Murnan, 30 and Gareth Finney, 58 not out, were particularly impressive.

Newton Thirds also recorded a terrific win at the weekend. Chasing Fleetwood Hesketh's score of 224-8 declared, they made 225-6 with 15-year-old Andy Horsfield making 91 and Rob Halliwell hitting 80.

They featured in an opening partnership of 203 while Warburton took the bowling honours, taking 5-49.