THE Fearnley brothers helped Newton climb up the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition ladder at the weekend.

Their inspirational batting performance against Orrell Red Triangle earned Newton a much-needed win and maintained the unbeaten home record.

Newton won the toss and inserted Orrell on a batsman-friendly track that offered nothing in terms of bowling assistance.

Aaron Scott and Mike Walkden toiled away in the afternoon sun, both eventually picking up three wickets each in a vain effort to contain the Orrell batsmen.

Orrell declared on 236 for 7 with Danny Barlow the other wicket taker.

In reply, Newton had enough time left to get the runs and the Fearnley brothers, Mark and 16-year-old David, set about the task in brilliant fashion.

They added a masterful 135 for the first wicket, with David grabbing his first 50 for the first team on the way to a brilliant 66. Mark continued his brilliant form by smashing 84.

When Mark departed with the score on 204 it was left to Ian Walkden and Andy Long to see Newton home with four balls to spare.

Newton's second team won a thrilling second-round cup tie at Northern.

Newton picked up four early wickets to stifle the Northern batting attack, Long picking up three crucial wickets ably supported by Danny Wakefield and Craig Patterson with two wickets each.

Northern's lights were further dimmed by an impressive spell from John Humphreys, returning from injury to pick up two wickets.

That left Ant Barlow, 2 for 24, and Chris Birchall, 1 for 36, to clean up at the death as Northern's innings was ended on 204 all out.

Chasing would have been difficult had it not been for the innings of a lifetime from Chris Chambers, with the 18-year-old scoring an impressive 84 not out as Newton, with the aid of two quick 20s from Humphreys and Barlow, gave Newton the win with an over to spare.

They will face the winners of Bootle versus Liverpool in the quarter finals.

The third team lost their cup quarter final on Sunday against a strong Northern third team.

Newton struggled from the start as Northern racked up 283 from 40 overs.

The young third team were never in the hunt as they collapsed to 150 all out, with Ryan Davies' impressive 49 being the highlight of the tie.