Maghull slipped dangerously close to the relegation zone in the 1st Division on Saturday, following their loss at home to Sutton (St Helens) and Old Xaverians surprise win at league leaders Liverpool.
Maghull skipper Anthony Molloy won the toss and elected to bat first, but a combination of incisive bowling by the opposition and a capricious batting surface saw his side fall to 91 all out. Craig Black top scored with an aggressive 25 from 12 deliveries and Cam Lawrenson made 20 from 34. But no other Maghull batter made more than 12.
A lengthy stoppage for rain delayed Sutton’s reply, and they lost a wicket with just two runs on the board. But Maghull had too few runs to play with, and despite taking a further six wickets the visitors were able to overhaul the total in the 28th over. Greg Coogan took 4-33 from his 14 overs.
Maghull sit 11th in the table, just four points ahead of Old Xavs in last place. Both sides face tough road games next Saturday, with Maghull traveling to Highfield and Old Xavs making the short hop to Sefton Park.
The 2nd XI took another step closer to promotion back to the 1st division on Saturday after a 99-run victory at Prestatyn. Maghull chose to bat first, a decision that looked ropey as they fell to 11-2. But an unbroken 169 run stand between captain Jamie Breakwell (113 from 71) and Shaun Hornby (53 from 62) allowed a declaration after 26 overs. Breakwells hundred was his fourth of the season, while Hornby registered his first half century for Maghull. In reply, Prestatyn could only muster 81 as they were shot out after 28 overs of their reply. Danny Feeney led the way with 6-40 and a run out, while Hornby also picked up 3-11 off eight overs.
Maghull are just three points behind leaders Rainhill, who lost their local derby away at Prescot & Odyssey by four wickets, and sit 42 points ahead of Sutton in third place. The two sides meet at Hall Lane next Saturday, where a win for Maghull would see them seal one of the two promotion berths.
Created: 30-Aug-2025
Author: Neil Dutton
