LEIGH Cricket Club lost their unbeaten league record in a thrilling encounter at Bootle.

Bootle batted first and made 147-9. Charlson 5-74 and Melia 4-28 doing the damage.

Leigh made steady progress towards their 148 target with knocks of 30 apiece from Bailey and Dove.

On 82-3 Leigh must have fancied their chances.

Charlson made a patient 24, although wickets were falling at the other end.

Injured Dimery made a valiant 18, leaving the last pair eight short of victory.

Melia went lbw four runs short of victory and Leigh's fine run came to an end.

On Saturday, Ormskirk travel to Beech Walk (2pm).

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