EVERGREEN all-rounder John Horrocks rolled back the years as New Brighton overcame Northern by three wickets in the Littlewoods Gaming Liverpool Competition ECB Premier League.

The visitors, who included former West Indies opener Sherwin Campbell making his debut, made the most of a poor performance in the field by New Brighton and declared after 50 overs on 222-7. The exception was Horrocks who produced his first five wicket haul of the millennium, finishing with 5-67.

An opening partnership of 84 between Richard Smith and Chris Davies, who both scored 53, provided a solid base for the reply and the good work was carried on by Mark Wilkie (29) and Chandika Hathurusingha (28). An excellent 20 not out from Gareth Roberts sealed the victory.

The 2nd XI are now just three points above the relegation zone after they were unable to take Northern's last wicket for a much-needed victory.

New Brighton batted for 62.1 overs before they were bowled out for 161, John Williams (34), Craig McKillop (29) and Danny Johnstone (26) being the three most successful batsmen.

Northern were left 34 overs and ended on 93-9 with 3rd XI skipper Kenny Winter doing the most damage with 3-16. AFH's 3rd XI got back to winning ways by beating Birchfield Park RL at Upton Road. The visitors, after being requested to bat, were dismissed for 174 with Chris Chew taking 5-52 and Jimmy Brown 2-41. Phil Luxon and Phil Hodgson, with 43 and 32 respectively, both batted well as New Brighton lost seven wickets achieving victory.

KJW's 3rd XI went down by six wickets in the last over of the game at Sefton Park NB. After being inserted, New Brighton declared after 45 overs with 176-6, George Roberts continuing his good run of form with 41 ably supported by Phil Davies (28), Paul Hale (27) and Andy McWilliam (22). Sefton Park were left 39 overs and had few problems against a depleted New Brighton bowling attack.

On Sunday NC's Murray Smith Cheshire County League Sunday First Division 3rd XI had an emphatic six victory against Grappenhall at Rake Lane. After winning the toss, they bowled the visitors out for 154 in 42 overs with Matty Delaney again showing his potential by taking 6-39. New Brighton achieved their target in 48 overs with Steve Murphy (41) and Jimmy Brown (36) being the batsmen to the fore with 13 year-old Mark Hale undefeated on 18.

Next Saturday the 1st XI travel to EDS Leigh in the Premier League with the 2nd XI having the reverse fixture at Rake Lane. AFH's 3rd XI entertain Firwood Bootle at Upton Road with KJW's 3rd XI being away at Northern. On Sunday the Under 21s play their Bowcock Cuerden Cheshire Cup Knockout second round game against Warrington at Upton Road. NC's Murray Smith Cheshire County League Sunday First Division 3rd XI are away at Bowdon.