Bootle enjoyed their share of play in a one-sided draw against Ormskirk

Jun 4 2009 by Terry Owen, Crosby Herald

FIRWOOD BOOTLE had much the better of last Saturday’s Business Assistance Liverpool & District Cricket Competition Premier League game at Brook Lane against Ormskirk who were forced to hang on desperately at the end in order to avoid what would have been a damaging defeat.

Bootle elected to bat upon winning the toss, and the new opening partnership of David Snellgrove and Steven Mullaney began with a highly-competent 95 for the first wicket, each of them hitting a half-century.

Australian star Patrick Jackson (41) and Craig Prince (57) also made sound contributions and the visitors declared at 232-6 in the 55th over having collected maximum batting bonus points.

Defending champions Ormskirk had 59overs to reach the target.

However, pegged back by some fine Bootle bowling, the home side never really got into their stride.

None of the Ormskirk batsmen looked like playing the major innings that would have won the game for their side, the home captain Adam Waterhouse making his team’s top score of 32.

Bootle took wickets steadily, the ninth falling at 159 with one over of the match remaining.