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Ryan Davies and Alex Lyon in century stand
Sunday 3rd July 2005

There was a 103 run partnership for the 4th wicket between Newton le Willows' Ryan Davies (63*) and Alex Lyon (40) in their 3rd XI Sunday Premier Division match with Sefton Park 5 at Crow Lane East this afternoon.

Just another century partnership you may think but what made it extra special was that Ryan is 14 years old and Alex just 11.

Newton's captain, Chris Birchall, says: "This must surely be some sort of a league record.  63 not out batting throught the innings at the age of 14 is good enough, but to put on over a 100 in a partnership with an 11 year old who scores 40, that is amazing!!!

"And no, the bowlers weren't chucking pies, this was proper batting.  In fact, the opening pace bowlers were brought back into the attack to get them out and failed."

Birchall goes on to say: "It's great to see such talented youngsters playing cricket in our league."

Newton 2nd XI captain, Anthony Barlow, asks: "Can anyone tell me if there was a younger century partnership than the one which was witnessed at Crow Lane on Sunday, we were convinced in the bar that it must be a league record. Ryan Davies and Alex Lyon have a combined age of 25 + some small change.

"The club is extremely proud of the pair, especially as they got their dads to get a jug of shandy in for the lads as well to celebrate because Ryan and Al aren't big enough yet to see over the bar to get ones themselves.

"We would love to know if it is a record. Being involved with our junior set up as well means that we at Newton are really proud of the two lads and hope that they continue to put the work in at training and in games so that they continue to make waves in this competition, watch out for these two, Davies and Lyon, for the future."