IRBY were disappointed with their display against Birkenhead Park in Division Two of the Murray Smith Cheshire County League.

They were dismissed for just 78 and went under by 10 wickets. Chris Stenhouse took 3-16 and John Costain 3-30 for Park while Dave Livermore finished on 51 not out.

Birkenhead St Mary's collapsed to 48 all out at Rainhill in the Merseyside and Southport Alliance and the title race is now wide open. The Saints looked to have the game at their mercy when they restricted Rainhill to just 63. Shakeel Nawaz took 7-31 and Mike Griffiths 3-32.

But then the Birkenhead batsmen also found the wicket a problem. Mizan Haq tried his best on 27 not out. Saints now have just a three points advantage.

Parkfield enjoyed a 28-runs win against Nalgo. Mian Nasees led the way with 78 and 3-62. John McClennan finished with 5-62.

Parkonians had to settle for a home draw against Ashton on Mersey in Division Two of the Meller Braggins Cheshire Leaguebefore heading off for a three-match tour in the Shrewsbury area. Chris Hitchell took 4-47 and Mike Beckett made 37 as Parkonians finished 35 runs adrift with five wickets standing.

A thrilling Division Three derby was taken by Wirral against Port Sunlight. The soapmen declared on 171-8 and Wirral replied with 175-9.

Birkenhead St Mary's, in the Bromborough Paints Merseyside Competition, totalled 184 against Rainhill but lost by five wickets. Dominic Kearney contributed 36.

Parkfield drew at Old Xaverians, closing on 125-7 chasing a 145-9 declared score.

In the Shammah Nicholls Cheshire Alliance Premiership Parkside (77-3) beat Ellesmere Port by seven wickets while Castrol (170-8dec) drew at Redbrook Hall, who finished on 108-7.

In Division Three Capenhurst (126-7) got home by three wickets at Eastham Bromborough. Rain brought an early finish to the Saughall v Liscard Central game.

There was disappointment for Parkfield in midweek as they missed out on a place in the final of the Merseyside Competition Lever Cup. They went under by six wickets at home to Mossley Hill. Gary Jones made 30 and Mian Nasees 23 but their 116-9 total in 20 overs never looked quite enough.

Birkenhead St Mary's host the final of the Merseyside Competition Norman Cottham Memorial Trophy on Sunday. Rainhill meet Aigburth.