SUTTON won a remarkable game against Ainsdale at New Street on Saturday to boost their fight against relegation.

The visitors put Sutton in on a wet wicket but Hodgson and Das constructed an opening stand of 40 against the lightning pace of Simon Murphy, the New Zealand professional.

Then a running misunderstanding led to Das being run out for 16 and this lifted the visitors. Murphy shot out three more batsmen, including Hodgson for a gritty 23 runs, and although Barr and Jukes played well Murphy's pace was too hot for Sutton.

A last wicket stand by Stu Rimmer and Burrows pushed the Sutton score to 103 all out with Murphy returning an incredible 9-48 with only the early run out denying him all 10.

Ainsdale were confident of knocking off this low score and their openers hit 43 to boost them further. But Sutton's paid off when Hodgson snapped up the first wicket at slip off the excellent Rimmer. The wily Das then started to get among the Ainsdale batsmen and they panicked as the Sutton fielders excelled to the tune of four run outs.

A super stumping by Stuart Toole and a fantastic catch by Das left Ainsdale in tatters.

And they slumped to 88 all out with 5-43 by Das and 16 overs for 24 runs by Stuart Rimmer the crucial performances.

This week Sutton visit Runcorn on Saturday and entertain high flyers Caldy on Bank Holiday Monday in good spirits. Another victory for Andy Brogan's side would be a real bonus. The seconds pushed towards the top of their division with a last gasp win in the return. At 78-0 Ainsdale were up for a big score but the introduction of the veteran Roy Grice turned the game. He teased out six wickets and with fine support from John Bellamy, who picked up the other four, the home side were demolished for 119.

At 17-3 Sutton were in danger but Phil Kelly hit a masterful 36 to steady the ship. Geoff Bowles ground out a typical 29 not out as wickets tumbled and fittingly hit the winning run with skipper Jeff Pye standing firm as the last man at the other end.

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