BOOTLE won the toss against Rainhill and captain Snelgrove predictably elected to bat on the white Wadham Road wicket.

At 58 for 1 after 14 overs, this decision was justified even though the ever reliable Qureshi was bowling tight at one end.

Dale was brought into the attack and his swing complemented that from Qureshi.

When Evens (31) and Snelgrove (20) were out, the rest of the Bootle batsmen appeared to give up.

Their rash shot selection meant 9 wickets fell for just 17 runs and Bootle ended on 75 all out in 33 overs. Qureshi finished with 6 for 28 from 16 and Dale 3 for 15 from 10.

Chasing a low total can be as difficult as a high total but Rainhill response got off to a great start with an opening partnership of 49 before Higham was adjudged LBW on 16.

Whiston continued to 38 and was out with the score on 55 for 2.

This was a similar score to their opponents but the Rainhill batsmen showed more resilience and heart and got home in 36 overs with five wickets to spare.

Ozzie pro Balgowan being the best for the home team with 3 for 32 from 9.

St Helens Town 1st XI remain second in the Liverpool Competition 2nd Division 1 point behind leaders Prestatyn thanks to a 86 run victory over local rivals Sutton.

Woods was out for 51 but Roberts finished 70 not out as Town declared on 222-6 from 54 overs. Sutton made it very hard for St Helens young Liam Dodd batting very solid and sensibly but Town took victory in the last over of the match.