A MAGNIFICENT century partnership between openers Ian Maher and Brian Tobin paved the way for a comprehensive Moorfield victory against an Old Xaverians team who had won their last six matches in Bromborough Paints Merseyside Competition Division Two.

The stand of 124 saw Maher race to 72 from only 50 balls, with Tobin reaching a tremendous un-beaten 84 from 96 balls.

Stand-in skipper Neil Maher came in to take the total to 177-1 before declaring, setting up a tricky half-hour for the visiting batsmen to negotiate before tea.

Ste Dean took full advantage, collecting two quick wicketstoput his team in buoyant mood follow -ing the break.

Afterwards, wickets fell regu -larly. Danny Naughton took 2-23 with a fine spell of leg spin bowl -ing, and seamers Neil Maher and W ayne Lamey each took a wicket before Ian Maher capped a fine all-round display by dismissing dangerman Heywood for 29.

Lamey claimed a run-out after a mix-up and Ian Maher mopped up the tail, finishing with figures of 3-6. The Old Boys were all out for 85.

The win left Moorfield in third place as the top two, Parkfield and Whitefield, both won.

Moorfield seconds also chalked up an impressive win at SFX. Batting first, they posted a useful 186-8, Craig Baxter contributing 36 and Alan Aspey 35. Dave Sefton boosted their good start by adding 40, enabling Moorfield to declare after 39 overs.

The home side struggled from the outset in reply. John Brophy took 3-19, Lee Deighton 1-32 and Mark Greason 1-12 before Mike Harrison spun out the tail-enders, taking four for 33, including a maiden hat-trick.

This week, the club face bottom side Tranmere Vics with Moorfield firsts away. The Sunday side entertain Whitefield.