PRESTATYN’s relegation fate is now out of their hands after a 146-run home loss at the hands of Old Xaverians.

The Beach Close side were once again left counting the cost of a dismal batting display that now sees their Liverpool and District Competition First Division status hanging by a thread, and they head into next weekend’s season finale at fourth-placed Highfield knowing a win might not even be enough to retain their second tier status.

A moderate display from the visitors in the field restricted their opponents to 212-7 declared from 55 overs, with Mark Doyle providing some crucial middle order runs on his way to a half century knock of 55 from 61 deliveries.

Another score of not came from Daniel Harrison, who hit six boundaries on his way to 48 as skipper Ian Carroll also aided his side’s cause with 36.

Sheil Sethi led the way from a home bowling perspective with three wickets for the loss of 30 runs from an impressive 14-over spell, with Kieron Tidswell claiming a pair of scalps at the expense of 67.

This was not replicated by the hosts efforts in the middle, which saw them skittled for just 66 all out in reply from 32 overs.

Wicketkeeper-opener Robbie Rimmington was the only batsman to emerge from the innings with any semblance of credit thanks to a knock of 23, with Gareth Leonard’s 11 eventually finishing as the second highest scorer on the afternoon.

A devastating nine-over spell from Colin Gibson saw him scoop a five-wicket haul for the loss of just 11 runs, and the duo of Mark Doyle and Mark Newman claimed four victims between them.

The result leaves Prestatyn 14 points behind Fleetwood Hesketh heading into a pivotal final day.