NEWTON Cricket Club were soundly beaten in their season's opener with promotion hopefuls Colwyn Bay.

Ian Walkden's side struggled with the bat in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition first division clash.

They were bowled out for a pitiful total of 119 runs after restricting the visitors to 181 runs for the loss of four wickets.

Colwyn Bay batted first and raced to 50 without loss.

Wakefield made the first breakthrough for Newton. Danny Barlow, two and Lyon took wickets soon after but dropped catches cost Newton dearly as Colwyn Bay reached their competitive total.

With the rain closing in it seemed imperative for Newton to start well but Lyon fell first ball and Newton struggled to 43-3.

Last season's star performer Barlow steadied the ship with a masterful and aggressive 48 from 51 balls.

He was ably supported by Fearnley and Scott before a batting collapse gave Colwyn Bay a comfortable win.

A heavy downpour denied Newton Seconds the chance to defend a good total at Lytham.

Quality batting by Appleton, 56 runs and Toal, 73, had put Newton in the driving seat before lunch.

They declared on 185-8 but the weather took a turn for the worse after the interval and the game was abandoned.

A brilliant 111 not out inspired Newton Thirds to victory at Oxton.

Halliwell also excelled with the bat, scoring 74, as Newton reached their target of 223-7 within 33 overs.

Newton's wicket takers were Birchall, Halliwell and Boardman.

Newton's first team play Liverpool at Crow Lane at the weekend while the second string travel to Sefton Park and Newton Thirds host Wigan.