INDIAN Test match star Shiv Sundar Das was the catalyst yet again as Newton boosted their Liverpool and District Cricket Competition title hopes with an impressive win against a struggling Haydock side.

Das has been in scintillating form in the last month or so and he was Newton's main man again on Saturday.

He top scored with 63 runs and claimed three victims with his deceptive spin bowling.

Malik also took three wickets and Wakefield took four as Newton defended their imposing total of 192 runs with relative ease.

Brothers Mike and Ian Walkden also made key contributions for Newton. They hit 49 and 35 runs respectively.

Newton's second string lost to table topping Fleetwood.

Skipper Barlow took four wickets and Warburton took two before Fleetwood declared on 188 runs for the loss of seven wickets.

Newton made a nightmare start in reply. They slumped to 19-4 and although Barlow, 26 runs, and Chambers, 41, managed to steady the ship their efforts ultimately proved to be in vain.

Newton Thirds recorded a six-wicket win at home to Highfield.

Highfield looked odds on favourites to win the game when they declared on 212-6.

But Newton batted heroically in reply. The Fearnley brothers put on 91 for the first wicket, Haselden and Sherlock both made 30s and Horsfield hitting a massive four to secure the spoils.

Newton's first team travel to Fleetwood on Saturday while the second team entertain Caldy at Crow Lane.

Newton's Sunday side are also in action at the weekend. Near neighbours Earlestown provide the opposition.