RAINHILL took on Wallasey on Saturday and in a game that was going to be interrupted by rain, Wallasey surprisingly elected to bat and after a steady start lost a few quick wickets.

28 without loss went to 31 for 3 but Russ (40) and Ward (49) started a fightback and took the score to 83 for 3.

The line and length from Qureshi (6 for 29 from 28 overs) was relentless and he was supported by Atkinson (3 for 65 from 14).

At 94 for 7 the Wallasey tail wagged. The 28 run last wicket partnership was to prove priceless and Wallasey finished on 154 all out from 57 overs. Rainhill’s response started shakily.

At 36 for 4, the ever reliant Kershaw (32) was joined by Qureshi (27). Their good work was continued by Williams (30) and at 103 for 5, Rainhill were confident of the win. Alas, Veteran Bourne (4 for 52 from 19) and Keogh (4 for 49 from 12) had other ideas. Rainhill’s tail failed to wag and from 128 for 7, they were all out for 134 in 37 overs.

After a delayed start, Rainhill seconds were inserted on the green wet track at Maghull and found it difficult to cope with the variable bounce. Brown 29, Rotheram 26 then an aggressive 56 from O’Toole allowed Rainhill to post 163 for 8 from 45 overs. Shankar (5 for 67 from 23) wisely used the wet areas to his advantage.

As the wicket dried, Maghull decided to flat bat the Rainhill attack. Buchanan (37) and Jackson (27) rode their luck but wickets kept falling. Bromhead (3 for 49 from 13) bowled well and Maghull finished on 136 for 7 in 41 overs.

Springview 3rd vs Rainhill Spice Inn 3rd

Rainhill thirds inserted the home team Springview whose innings was dominated by 106 no from Wilkinson. Jones (6 overs 1 for 9), Rotheram (17 overs 3 for 63) and Graham (2 for 59 from 13) couldn’t stop Springview declaring on 198 for 7 in 46 overs.

In reply, opener Fitzhenry (64) was supported by Smith (33) but Holding (5 for 27 from 11) and Mamozai (2 for 20 from 7) were rewarded for putting the ball in the right areas.

Rainhill capitulated to 128 all out in 40 overs.