Maghull skipper Anthony Molloy’s superb all round performance helped lead his side to a second consecutive win on Saturday, as Maghull beat Lytham by 68 runs at Hall Lane. Molloy’s side are 10th in the table and 23 points clear of Old Xaverians, who currently occupy the relegation spot in the 1st Division.
Molloy’s day started well with winning the toss and he elected to bat first. This decision bore fruit, with Maghull making 214-9 before declaring after 55 overs. It was Maghull’s third score in excess of 200 this season and their first since June 14th. Molloy top scored with 63 from 66 deliveries, a knock containing five 4s and three sixes. Rich Brown also made in 34 from 31 balls, while Nick Ritchie (29) and Josh Byrne (23) also chipping in.
Lytham got off to a solid start in their reply, making 60 before Maghull struck. But once they did, the visitors were unable to build any partnerships of note as they were reduced to 109-8 before eventually falling to 146 all out. Molloy led the way with 4-40 with Byrne (2-22) and Craig Black (2-41) providing excellent support.
Maghull travel to third place Spring View next Saturday, with the home side still hunting a promotion berth despite being held to a draw at Highfield on Saturday.
The 2nd XI maintained their push for promotion and kept within touching distance of top spot with a nine wicket win at Whitefield on Saturday. Whitefield batted first but could only muster 111 from 36.4 overs. Inam Khan was the star of the bowling unit, with 5-44 from 15.4 overs. Rowan Badger and Shaun Hornby took two wickets each in support. Maghull chased down the total inside 22 overs, with skipper Jamie Breakwell (52*) and Josh Brady (32*) unbeaten at the end. Breakwell reached 1000 runs for the season when his score reached four.
Maghull are six points behind leaders Rainhill with a game in hand and welcome Fleetwood Hesketh to Hall Lane next Saturday. Rainhill are at home to sixth place Norley Hall.
The 4th XI lost a close, low scoring affair at New Brighton on Sunday. Batting first, Maghull stumbled from 50-1 to 109 all out, with Jamie Regan-Hammond top scoring with 31 from 23 balls. But the home side were made to battle for their runs, losing eight wickets before eventually reaching 113-8. There were two wicket hauls for Gareth Barry (2-20), Bill Powell (2-19) and Owen Quilliam, who added two catches to his 2-11.
Created: 17-Aug-2025
Author: Neil Dutton
