IFs and BUTs - UPs and DOWNs

Date: 4th September 2025

READ TOM EVANS EXCELLENT ANALYSIS OF WHATS AT STAKE

With three games left in the Love Lane Liverpool Competition and a possible 75 points up for grabs, nothing is yet set in stone.

But a few issues could be settled at the weekend… here’s a rundown. It’s complicated by teams picking up bonus points whether they win, lose or draw, so I’ve tried not to make any assumptions.

Please get in touch via the usual channels to point out any errors or omissions!

ECB PREMIER DIVISION – TOP

1. Ormskirk 358 – FOR (a)
2. Northern 325 – BPK (a)
3. Leigh 295 – RNL (h)

Ormskirk will be champions if they outscore Northern by 17 points. So if Ormskirk win at all, Northern need to pick up at least three points; if Ormskirk get the maximum 25, Northern need eight to stay in touch. Leigh can reach 370 points and still have a chance on paper – but we’re strictly in theoretical territory here. I’ve included everyone who can mathematically catch or be caught.

ECB PREMIER DIVISION – BOTTOM

12. Birkenhead Park 120 – NOR (h)
11. Colwyn Bay 150 – NLW (h)
10. Newton-le-Willows 167 – CBY (a)
9. Wigan 172 – WAL (a)
8. Firwood Bootle 192 – RFD (a)
7. Wallasey 222 – WIG (h)

Half the division are in theoretical trouble, although realistically it will be two from the bottom four who make the drop. Newton’s trip to Colwyn Bay is the day’s biggest fixture – the Welsh side can move out of the relegation zone with a win, though it would not be guaranteed. If Colwyn Bay win and Newton gain at least three points, Birkenhead Park will be relegated unless they pick up some points against Northern – they need to stay within 49 points of the others at the end of Saturday’s games.

DIVISION ONE – TOP

1. Liverpool 341 – LYT (a)
2. Orrell Red Triangle 315 – S&B (h)
3. Spring View 309 – NBR (h)
4. Southport & Birkdale 274 – ORT (a)
5. Sefton Park 256 – OXV (a)

Realistically it’s two from three. Liverpool will be promoted if they win and Spring View fail to pick up enough points to keep in touch – a 25-point win for Liverpool means they will be up unless View get at least eight.

DIVISION ONE – BOTTOM

12. Old Xaverians 163 – SEF (h)
11. Maghull 167 – HFD (a)
10. Lytham 191 – LIV (h)
9. New Brighton 193 – SVW (a)
8. Hightown St Marys 202 – SUT (a)
7. Highfield 223 – MGL (h)

With only one place to be decided thanks to Lytham’s withdrawal from the Comp, nothing can be decided this week. It doesn’t matter where Lytham finish, for the same reason – if they drop to the bottom, whoever finishes 11th will go down. Still lots to play for, though Highfield can surely consider themselves safe.

DIVISION TWO – TOP

1. Ainsdale 398 – P&O (a)
2. Northop Hall 377 – CAL (a)
3. Caldy 341 – NHP (h)

The simplest of the lot. If Ainsdale win, they are up. If Northop Hall beat Caldy, the Wirral side need to pick up enough bonus points to stay in touch – a win plus four or five bonus points would clinch promotion for the Welshmen.

With kind permission of Merseyside Cricket online www.merseysidecricket.com