MOORFIELD 1st XI had a flying start in Merseyside and Southport Cricket Alliance's Division Two at Moorfield Rd on Saturday.

Moorfield took on Liverpool Manweb and secured a good win although this was marred by a horrific facial injury suffered by all-rounder and vice-captain Neil Maher.

Skipper Danny Naughton had won the toss and elected to bat.

In a split second, the bowler Galbraith picked up the ball in an effort to run Maher out and launched the ball. Unfortunately, it struck Maher on the nose. He was hospitalised and may require surgery.

Moorfield batsmen produced decent strokes with opener Gaz Jones notching 21.

Skipper Naughton (16) and Ste Dean, batting higher up the order than normal, knocked a quickfire 27. Mike Harrison scored a good, and invaluable, 34.

The tail of Tom Lunt, Graeme Abbott and Mark Greason put on a valuable 45 runs, assisted by the returning - and brave - Neil Maher, who carried his bat on 6no.

Star for Manweb was Galbraith with 6-64 as Moorfield closed on 180 all out.

Manweb were skittled for 127 - Moorfield taking 24 points and Manweb six.

This Saturday sees the 1st XI, sponsored by Motor Nation, travel to Halsall West End where they may be without Neil Maher. n All-rounder Burden was Kingsley's saviour in their Division One home match against Sandbach in Cheshire Cricket Alliance.

De Silva (110) joined Williams (67) in an impressive partnership. He was finally bowled by Burden (3-49) and Williams by Alderman (4-36). Both these bowlers did well at the death to restrict the visitors to 216-7.

Kingsley looked in real trouble, but Burden (34no) and Butcher batted out for a draw.

At Trinity, Division Two visitors Frodsham beat the home side by three runs.

Frodsham made 178-7 thanks to G Houghton (32), J Lewis (33). Trinity fell just short on 175 (B Large 4-37).

Kingsley 2nd XI started with an excellent win at Sandbach.

Asked to bat first on what appeared a soft track, openers Burton (19) and Ashley (20) built an excellent platform. A maiden 50 from Ainsworth, ensured a score of 143.

Ainsworth (4-17) and Oultram (2-15) mopped up the tail to ensure Kingsley the maximum 25 points.