NEWTON le Willows miserable end to the season has climaxed in relegation from the Love Lane Liverpool Competition Premier League after they lost a nailbiter of a game at Wigan.

Still reeling from their points deduction for fielding an illegibal player, the visitors reached 155 all out with Siddiq Patel (41) top scoring. The modest target was not enough despite three wickets apiece for Ben Walkden (3-22), Matthew Parkinson (3-42) and Afaq Ali Sartaj (3-56) with Wigan sealing a one-wicket win that sent Chris Chambers' side back to Division One.

Northern declared on 266-2 against Rainhill for whom Tyler McGladdery is coming to the end of a stunning season after scoring his third century of the season in the host's reply which closed on 186-7 in a drawn game. 

Rainford are set for an exciting last weekend of the season as they battle for a return to the Premier League. Currently occupying the second promotion place, defeat against Sefton Park on Saturday could see them overhauled by Colwyn Bay, but a 64 run win over Caldy has given them a 14 point advantage. Opener Matthew Bailey hit 111 and shared a first wicket partnership of 136 with Jason Login (70) as Rainford posted 237-3. John Dotters then took his 13th five-for of the season in claiming 6-45 which takes him to an impressive 98 league wickets this campaign and sealed a vital victory. 

St Helens Town are Division Two champions after a thrilling one-wicket win over Southport Trinity. Sharan Rajendran (4-44), Craig Black (3-23) and William Griffiths (3-39) did the damage as the visitors were bowled out for 116 at Ruskin Drive. Town lost their eighth and ninth wickets on 115 before scraping over the line.

Sutton put the cat amongst the pigeons at the top of the table by beating promotion chasing Maghull. Andy Cowley took 3-44 as Maghull were dismissed for 167 before Jamie Greener's 54 sealed a two wicket win.

In the Southport and District Premier League, Haydock are struggling at the foot of the table after a seven wicket defeat to Birkenhead St Mary's. M.Redman hit 57 as Haydock were bowled out for 131.

Sanjo Varghese took 4-42 and Kurt Sabela 3-28 as Prescot and Odyssey reduced Cheshire Lines to 229-9. The hosts could make only 82 all out in reply.