RAINHILL picked up a comfortable victory over their under-strength visitors from Birkdale.

Rainhill put Birkdale into bat, and apart from opener Edwards (31) none of the other recognised batsmen got into double figures.

Qureshi (7 for 28 from 21) and Howells (2 for 140 from 15) bowled great lines to bowl them out for 84.

The Rainhill reply was quick. Atkinson rode his luck and hit a quickfire 42. Qureshi helped with 24 not out as Rainhill passed the total with ease for the loss of three wickets in 26 overs.

Rainhill are 28 points ahead of relegation rivals Fleetwood with two games to go.