NEWTON Cricket Club travelled to Wallasey desperately needing a win to improve their Liverpool and District Competition position and get them away from the drop zone.

Mike Walkden took the first two wickets but Luxon, 114 runs, helped to set up a declaration after 50 overs despite a good return of three wickets for 46 runs from David Wakefield.

Wallasey's declaration came at 207 runs for six wickets and did not seem an unassailable target.

However, Newton again found themselves in trouble at 23-4, needing to rebuild the innings which yet again they did.

It was Danny Barlow and Mike Walkden who provided the rebuild and they scored freely to bring Newton back into contention.

Barlow made an impressive 61 and Walkden, 48, which included 10 boundaries.

However, at 142-7 they were running out of wickets and eventually succumbed to 171 all out with 10 overs remaining.

Again there was disappointment from the early order but they also felt they did not get the run of the green with five lbw decisions going against them.

With six games left there is still a feeling they can get themselves out of their situation, which starts on Saturday when Lytham are the visitors to Crow Lane.

The seconds slumped to defeat against Northern. On Saturday they travel to Huyton.

The thirds managed a draw at Worsley on Sunday.