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ECB Premier League - Sanford hat trick start to sensational first over
Saturday 2nd July 2005

Taking a hat trick is a special moment for any bowler and Adam Sanford (pictured left) joined that elite group of bowlers after an incredible performance at Brook Lane. Taking one by dismissing the first three batsmen, all bowled and hitting the same stump each time, with the first three balls of an innings is extra special. In fact, a rare feat throughout cricket history and almost certainly a Liverpool Competition first.

It wasn't a question of a few looseners as the Leeward Islands paceman sent back Hightown's Shaun Vosloo, Mark Warren and Martin Stoker as Hightown set out to reply to Ormskirk's total of 214-5d after they had been invited to bat.

It was Sanford's most devastating spell of the season and his 6-56 helped bowl out the visitors for 168 in 38.2 overs (Evon McInnis 62, Phil Whelan 42) in reply to a home total of 214-5d (55 overs) which included a fine knock of 91 by home skipper John Armstrong, in which he shared a third wicket stand of 108 with Kevin Burns (46).

"It was bizarre," said Ormskirk captain John Armstrong. "Their number five batsman faced a ball before the number two."

Armstrong went on: "He's finally found out that we bat just once a week. If you bowl yorkers before batsmen have settled down, you've got a good chance of dismissal. Adam's had a poor start to the season by his own admission. He could have given up, but he's kept going."

Northern stay top after an absorbing game against Wallasey at Crosby. After losing the toss, the leaders progressed to 194 (51.3 overs) - Karl Brown's 80 (112 balls, 12x4s, 1x6) taking him past 500 runs, sharing in a stand of 71 for the third wicket with Steve Parry (32).

Phil Luxon taking 4-32 and Chris Bourne had 4-76. Wallasey skipper Luxon scored 76* to leave the Wirral side needing nine off the last over. But, in a great climax, they were left on 193-9 after the last pair managed two off the last ball when four was wanted.

New Brighton's batting has been a revelation this season. Bootle found that out as the champions went down to their first ECB Premier League defeat of the season.

Bootle set a stiff enough task, making 238-8d jn 49 overs with Adam Warren 71*, David Snellgrove 30; Kamran Farooq 4-63, Rudra Singh 3-55. When the home side were 56-4, there looked like there would be only one winner.

Paul Strang and Chris Davies, though, rocked the visitors with an outstanding display that produced 179 for a five wicket win with seven balls left. Strang's 105* came in just 73 balls (4x6s, 14x4s) whilst Davies hit 88 off 87 balls (12x4s, 1x6). The Rakers are now 1 pt behind Northern.

Sefton Park are trying to force their way into the title picture and their fourth win in five games was comfortable enough. It may have been easier against Lytham had they not collapsed from 108-1 to 140-9, eventually making 169 from 59.3 overs after winning the toss.

Jimmy Wisniewski did the damage with a superb 7-67 from 18.3 overs, 5 of them maidens with Paul Horton (60, 69 balls, 8x4s) and Ramesh Powar (50, 83 balls, 7x4s, 1x6) the leading batsmen.

Powar completed a fine game with 5-25 and Rob Houghton took 3-35 as the visitors mustered only 113 in 36 overs, Wisniewski scoring 36 and Guy Roberts 32.

Mohammad Sami has been unable to bring Fleetwood Hesketh much joy so far in his four game stint as they lost again at Huyton, leaving the Sea Cop side just 6 pts above bottom side Northop Hall.

The Pakistan Test bowler top scored with 35 out of his side's 164 from 52 overs after losing the toss and then took 3-49, but Huyton got home by four wickets at 165-6 from 50 overs. Carl Menzie, who had earlier taken 3-37, made 38 for the winners.

18 year old Adam Roussak, in for Oliver Newby (groin strain) gave a fine performance in a career best of 5-53 as Leigh dismissed Northop Hall for 202 after 51 overs after the Welsh side had elected to bat. James Dyer hit 43 for them, but Gareth Cross (86 from 60 balls, 9x4s, 5x6s) saw the visitors through to a three wicket win at 203-7 (32.5 overs) after they had been 200-4 after 29 overs, Amir Mahmood taking 3-33.

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