RAINHILL inserted the home team Birkenhead Park on the damp wicket and outfield and allowed them to get a start by not holding on to catches.

Davies (54) and Camden (42) led the way but the scoring was held in check by the accuracy of Qureshi. His 7 for 35 off 27 overs tied down an end but the other end leaked runs. From 165 for 4 Birkenhead lost the last 6 wickets for 20 runs and they ended on 185 in 55 overs.

Rainhill attacked from ball one. McGladdery (41), Ford (47), Howels (28) and Veacock (19) hit everything pitched up but all were caught going for big shots when pushing it around the park would have sufficed. From 160 for 6, Rainhill fell 3 runs short of their total, finishing on 183 all out from 54 overs.

Slow bowlers did the damage – Houghton 4 for 55 from 19 and Wahbi 4 for 52 from 14.

Rainhill seconds inserted the visitors Newton and took wickets on a regular basis.

Tandy (39) Warburton (30) and Hewitt (24) showed some resistance but the aggression from quickie Williams 6 for 53 from 25 was relentless.

Newton finished on 144 in the 51st over. Atkinson (100no) and Higham (35) tore into the Newton attack and Rainhill passed their target in 26 overs losing just 2 wickets in the process.

Rainhill Spice Inn 3rd vs Springview 3rd

Rainhill Spice Inn 3rd team inserted the visitors who scored steadily throughout their innings. Jones(46), Holding (44), Green (32) and Dean (25no) enjoyed the batting friendly conditions against the Rainhill attack. Smith (2 for 48 from 13) and Bullock (2 for 60 from 18) being the best from the home team and Springview declared on 181 for 5 in 45 overs.

Smith (70) and Brown (65no) steered Rainhill passed the visitors total in 39 overs for the loss of 5 wickets.