RAINFORD enjoyed a double success on the opening day of the Liverpool Gin Liverpool Competition with both sides achieving big wins.

Batting first at the Jubilee Recreation Ground against Orrell they made 167 all out with good contributions from Matt Bailey (29) Paul Farrar (31) Joe Noctor (34) and John Dotters (32). In the time honoured tradition of cricket commenters all the talk at the tea interval was that at least one, if not two of them, should “have gone on” to make a big score for a big total.

They needn’t have worried. Dan Houghton produced a fine opening burst of 5 for 14 off seven overs to rip out the Orrell top order. Stephen Birkett nipped in with a wicket on his return before Andy Davies and John Dotters wrapped up proceedings with two wickets each, leaving Orrell 55 all out.

The 2nd X1 had a 140 run win at Alder declaring on 204 for 5. Ellie Threlkeld opened up with 35 before skipper Mark Brook shouldered his new responsibility with a commanding knock of 89. Ben Hemingway (23) and Justin Dalrymple (21) continued the good work.

In the second half Andrew Harrison and Mark Farrar both returned figures of 3 for 15 and with 2 for 3 from Ehren Agarwal, Alder were dismissed for 64.