PRESCOT & Odyssey CC entertained Birkenhead St Mary's at Burrows Lane on Saturday.

Batting first P&O were desperately unlucky to see two early wickets fall the same way, the ball trickling on to the stumps and dislodging a bail.

P&O consolidated and when skipper Oughterson joined his vice-captain Keeble at the wicket, runs came in style, both hitting the ball clean, hard and straight.

Oughterson reached his 50 in quick time before a rush of blood saw him dance down the track, miss and be bowled without adding to his score.

Keeble also looked to be heading for a 50, until a direct hit from the field saw him run out on 43.

McComb then continued his good form with the bat, stroking 30 as the tail took the score to 162-9 declared.

Birkenhead, in reply, rode their luck as both openers edged the opening attack of Hayhurst and Cartmel to slip and lobbed shots just out or reach of the P&O field.

The introduction of Wilkinson, with the score on 40, saw the first wicket fall. But this served only to bring the Pakistani professional to the crease, who was able to deal with the P&O attack, scoring freely on his way to a half-century.

The visitors looked to be cruising to victory, but leg spinner McComb picked up three wickets and slowed things down.

But despite their efforts P&O were unable to prevent Birkenhead edging the victory in the penultimate over. Match Ball Sponsor was Canter, Levin & Berg.

In contrast the 2nd XI eased to victory at Birkenhead, dismissing the opposition for 78 with Ian Carson the pick

of the bowlers taking five.

P&O managed to lose five wickets in reply but soon had the game wrapped up, Edwards (21) and Ratcliffe (22) being the major contributors in their 80-5.

The 3rd XI fared better than of late but were still unable to prevent defeat.

Steve Robertson scored 46 in the P&O total of 122 but Birkenhead, edged victory in a close game, finishing on 126-8.

P&O's Mawlhinney took 4-43 on his home debut.

This week, P&O 1st & 2nd teams take on Ainsdale while the 3rd XI have a rest