LEIGH reached the half way stage of the season with a nervy win at Liverpool and District Premier League title hopefuls New Brighton.

The high-flying hosts batted first with each side’s county players, Lancashire’s Luke Proctor and Nottinghamshire’s Steven Mullaney, initially taking centre stage with 48 runs and eight wickets respectively.

Mullaney bowled unchanged for 27.3 overs to return magnificent figures of 8 for 61 as New Brighton were bowled out for 178.

In reply, a century stand between Ross Zelem, 63, and Paul Keenan, 54, saw off the early seam attack before New Brighton’s spinners fought back to leave the game finely balanced at 150 for 6.

Skipper Mattie McKiernan, 29, and Hedley Molyneux, 12, remained calm and brought Leigh a win that moves them into fifth place.

To complete a double Saturday success at Beech Walk, Leigh seconds won their first game of the year and moved off bottom with a convincing win against local rivals Orrell RT.

The experience of Andy Batterley, 67, and hard-hitting Mickey Waywell chased down the 160 target.

Earlier, teenagers Alex Seddon, Lewis Dove and Ben Smith shared the bowling responsibilities.