Rainhill’s 2nd game in the Ray Digman Knockout saw them travel to Premier League champions Lytham and the gap in talent was evident.

After winning the toss, Rainhill elected to bat on the greentop but found scoring difficult. Opening spells from Ughradar (5 overs 2 for 17) and Openshaw (5 overs 1 for 21) used the conditions and new ball wisely. Atkinson (31) and Ford (40) aclimatised to the “tennis ball bounce” and sandy conditions but failed to go on to get a big score. Rigby (2 for 26 from 9), Edwards (2 for 19 from 7) and Davies (2 for 13 from 5) turned the screws and Rainhill folded to 140 all out from 39 overs.

Similarly, the Lytham openers, Davies (England U19 and Lanc’s WK) and Ughradar had the same difficulties against the new ball. Williams and Veacock bowled some unplayable balls with the first 14 overs seeing only 30 runs from the bat. Alas the wides and no-balls relieved pressure and crease occupancy itself kept the scoreboard moving.

The batsmen survived and then thrashed any poor bowling that followed. Lytham passed the target in 23 overs for the loss of 1 wicket. Davies (65) and Ughradar (27no) helped themselves to some batting practice. With 46 additional balls being bowled for the wides and no-balls the Rainhill bowlers need to improve for the start of the league next week.

Thanks to J Veacock for sponsoring the game.

Rainhill 2nd vs Lytham 2nd Rainhill were inserted and were in trouble at 32 for 3. Yates (3 for 23 from 6) was restricting the home team with his accurate line and length when the innings was interrupted by hail. After an hour delay, the game was reduced to 31 overs. The aggression from Harvey (46) and then Yate (63no) allowed Rainhill to get to a defendable 172 for 7.

Lytham found the conditions easy and passed the target in 28 overs for the loss of 2 wickets. Hessey (64) McGreehin (64) and Hill (22) enjoyed the friendly bowling.