NEWTON le Willow's grip on their Liverpool Competition Premier League status is slipping after a chastening defeat at Northern.

Still reeling from their 80 point deduction due to a breach of regulations surrounding overseas player Rizwan Haider, the visitors were bowled out for just 37 by Northern who quickly completed a nine wicket win that leaves Newton le Willows bottom and 28 points from safety. 

Rainhill enjoyed a nine wicket win of their own after Liam O'Toole (4-27) and Dan Kelly (3-15) helped dismiss Birkenhead Park for 100. Tyler McGladdery hit an unbeated 55 to seal the victory.

Rainford are third in Division One following a thrilling one wicket win over Bootle. James Davies (3-25) and John Dotters (3-63) restricted Bootle to 160 all out before the last wicket pair of Liam Gaskell and Andy Davies put on 34 to clinch an important victory. 

St Helens Town are close to sealing promotion from Division Two after beating neighbours Sutton at Ruskin Drive. Opener Ryan Donnelly hit 81 as Town declared 210-6 before the visitors were dismissed for 141.

In the Southport and District Premier League, Prescot and Odyssey's Ken Highdale hit an unbeaten 75 as the hosts reached 128-6 against Skelmersdale. Nathan Dagnall's 3-30 was in vain as the visitors won by four wickets. 

Haydock are bottom after a 126 run defeat to Hesketh Bank. Edmund Hurst took 3-16 as the visitors posted 191-8 before the hosts were dismissed for 65.