AN IMPROVED batting display was not enough for Prestatyn as they fell to a five-wicket defeat at Sefton Park.

The Liverpool and District Cricket League Division One side were unable to make it back-to-back victories despite an encouraging display, and Gareth Boughey’s men go in search of their second win of the season on Saturday when they welcome Wavertree to Beach Close.

The visitors got off to a great start with the bat thanks to an opening stand of 88 from Boughey and Ryan Westwell, before the latter was caught off a Joe Francis delivery just one short of his half century.

Boughey was soon to follow as he was caught and bowled by Richie Forsyth after contributing 43, but there was no such luck for Sheil Sethi (9), wicketkeeper Robbie Rimmington (6), Gareth Leonard (9) and David Harris (18) were all out cheaply to take the gloss off the opening partnership.

Peter Cassidy has started the season in fine form and was a constant during a difficult spell for the middle order, but he was undone by a Houghton (4-74) strike on 58 as the away side declared on 231-8 from 55 overs.

Their time in the field began promisingly when Adam Tidswell trapped opener James Baird lbw for 20, whole Park danger man Luke Connolly made just 18 before he fell victim to a Cassidy delivery Impressive scores of 47 and 33 from Sean Vandrome and Scott Aitchinson got the hosts back on track until they were both despatched by Boughey (2-60), but the turning point was the unbeaten knock of 67 from Greg Harvey which got them over the line.

Cassidy did his best to make a fight of things and ended with figures of 2-72, but it was not enough as the home side reached their required total for the loss of five wickets after 46 overs of play.