LEIGH CC's run machine quickly got into gear to set up a handsome win over Lytham in the Liverpool Competition Premier Division Knockout Cup.

Batting first, Leigh's opening pair of Andy Batterley and Nigel Hallows put on a century for the first wicket before anchorman Hallows was dismissed for 17.

Andy Mullaney soon followed before Dave Dove joined Batterley and added a quickfire 84, of which Dove made 43 including two sixes.

But it was to be Batterley's day as he reached his century in just 94 balls in just 90 minutes at the crease. He was finally out for a magnificent 126 which included four sixes.

There was still time for the remaining Leigh batsmen to pile on the misery for Lytham as skipper Steve Bailey hit three sixes in his unbeaten 35 and Gareth Cross added 16 in just nine balls. Leigh's innings finally closed on 260-6 from their 45 overs.

Batterley in particular had been severe on all the Lytham bowling with pro Fulton going for 61 in his nine overs and Thompson conceded 44 in just four overs.

Lytham had to be positive in reply and at 84-2 and up with the rate, they sniffed glory. Potter went for 25 in one over but made the all-important breakthrough having Fulton caught at slip by Mullaney for 29.

Sainsbury was run out for 33 by Hallows to spark a remarkable collapse with Lytham losing their last six wickets for just 11 runs.

Colin Smith bowled tidily, taking 1-6 but it was high class bowling from Davis (3-10) and Sikander (3-5) who destroyed the Lytham innings as they were bowled out for 103, giving Leigh a winning margin of 157 runs.

Tomorrow Leigh entertain Bootle at Beech Walk, wickets pitched 1.30pm.