RAINFORD scored a double success over long-time rivals Skelmersdale with the 1st X1 winning in a canter whilst the 2X1 had a much more exciting affair, winning by a nose in dramatic style.

Batting first at Skelmersdale Matt Bailey (43) and the in-form Paul Farrar (82) shared an opening stand of 137 to set Rainford on their way.

Joe Noctor made 33 before the declaration on 217-9.

Dan Houghton (2-12) and the rejuvenated Stephen Birkett (5-17) destroyed the Skelmersdale top order and the hosts never recovered from losing their first five batsmen for just 16.

John Dotters (3-7) mopped up the tail to dismiss Skelmersdale for 37 and a 180 run win.

In the return fixture at the Jubilee Recreation Ground, sponsored by Cooks, Rainford’s finest Butchers, Skelmersdale had first go making 152. Andrew Harrison (3-42) and Mark Farrar (3-18) the main wicket takers.

Wickets fell at regular intervals in the Rainford reply as they made steady progress, with Ehren Agarwal (37) and Steven Cline (27) keeping them in touch.

When the ninth wicket fell with Rainford still a dozen short of their target, up stepped Mark Farrar (22no) to settle the matter in no uncertain style with two big sixes to give Rainford a one wicket win.