RAINFORD regained top spot in the topsy turvy Division 1 of the Med Imaging Liverpool Competition by virtue of a clinical disposal of bottom club Wavertree; a fighting draw by Newton Le Willows denying previous leaders Highfield and rain halting Formby’s progress at Northop Hall.

With over half the season gone just two points separate Rainford, Highfield and Formby with Wigan and Liverpool hot on their heels, leaving an exciting August and September in prospect.

On a rain threatened Saturday after being asked to bat Rainford wasted no time in posting 198 for 4 declared in 32 overs. Dave Tully ignited the innings with 75, sharing a 119 run second wicket partnership with Daron Cruickshank (45) before Joe Noctor’s 46 not out enabled the declaration.

Tom Oughterson took the game to Rainford with a fighting 41 but he was rapidly running out of partners as Ollie Jump produced a magnificent spell to take 6 for 31, five of his victims all clean bowled. The Division’s leading bowler U17 John Dotters joined the attack and promptly finished things off with 4 for 16.

This Saturday Rainford travel to Highfield for a significant encounter.

The 2nd X1 fought out a draw at Wavertree with Steven Cline starring with 5 wickets and 54 runs. The 3rd X1 also fought hard for a draw against St Helens Town on Sunday, a day which also saw the U11 and U13’s achieve wins over Ormskirk and Liverpool respectively.