SUTTON won the toss and skipper Reynolds elected to field against an always-stubborn Wavertree side.

Bowling in tandem, Foster and Tamhane had the hosts immediately on the back foot as they slumped to 40 for 5 and onto 68 for 8.

However, some dogged resistance saw the hosts declare on 113 for 9, with Foster taking 4/40 and Tamhane ending with 4/43.

In a stuttered reply, Sutton looked a seemingly safe bet for victory with Tamhane unbeaten on 44, sharing in a stand with Radford of 40.

As these 2 fell in quick succession, 25 was the target with Reynolds chipping in 10 and Laithwaite and Clark left at the crease with 9 down.

Despite a fine last four in the final over, Sutton were left despairingly close to victory as scores were tied on 113 for 9.

Sutton play Aigburth at New St next week.

Sutton's 2nd eleven were set 117 for victory away to Liverpool Nalgo.

Their slow progress was down to an excellent spell from Brogan who ended with 9/22/5.

With 23 overs to hit the winning runs, Devereux (26) and Mailey (42) gave Sutton the start they were looking for.

Tunstall (17) and Bowles continued the good progress and victory was sealed in the 23rd over for a 5-wicket victory.