HAYDOCK'S first XI produced a fine performance to draw against high flying Burscough at the weekend.

On a glorious sun-kissed day Darren Matthews won the toss and elected to bat. The Haydock openers got off to a fine start adding 78 for the first wicket.

Craig Sackfield continued his recent good form with 36 and young Steve Lathom fulfilled some of his potential with a fine 53.

Paul Tatton made 40, but from 107 for 2, Haydock fell away to 177 all out in the fiftieth over. Dick Powell returned with excellent figures of 6 for 48 and was supported by N. Disley with 3 for 48.

After the interval the Haydock bowlers had Burscough in trouble, but they were unable to drive home this advantage and Burscough finished on 130 for 8.

Martin Clarke was again the pick with 4/36 from 14 overs. He was assisted by Darren Matthews with 2/14, Craig Sackfield 1/32 and Anthony Croston 1/25.

The second team fared better in the top of the table clash to record a good win over Burscough.

Burscough elected to bat, but lost three wickets before M. Taylor gave them some stability with 34.

However Haydock's bowlers stuck manfully to their task and whittled Burscough out for 130. Andrew Bentham returned figures of 4/49, whilst fellow opening bowler Nicky Tinsley had 3/22 and off-spinner Ste Hill 2/24.

Following tea, Haydock's mixture of experience and youth saw some interesting partnerships before they crossed the finishing line with three wickets remaining.

A special mention must go to Ste Hill, who followed up a fine bowling performance with a farewell 50 before he moves to Cambridge.

Haydock Cricket Club wishes him well and thanks him for his contribution over the last couple of seasons.

A very young third team gave a good account of themselves, but went down by 53 runs at Ashworth.

Ashworth made 191 for 4 and Haydock rued missing J. Akbar when he had only made 6 as he went on to score a fine 124 not out.

Skipper J. Pye was the pick of the bowlers with 3/44. In reply Haydock were dismissed for 138, with juniors G. Edwards (36) and J. Gibson (30) scoring well, wicket keeper Tony Duncan chipped in with 23.

The Dietiker Metals sponsored Haydock Juniors enjoyed a successful week with the under 13s defeating St Helens Recs by nine wickets and the under 15s beating Newton by nine runs. The under 18s went down against Leigh.