Despite a solid batting performance Rainford lost to Ainsdale by six wickets in the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition Division 1.

Matt Bailey shared an opening stand of 48 before being clean bowled for 22 when John Dotters joined Dave Tully at the crease. Tully went on to make an excellent 89 in a 106 run partnership with Dotters who was fourth out for an equally valuable 52, with the score on 173 for 4. The innings eventually closed on 223 for 9 declared.

In reply Ainsdale were 84 for 3 at one stage, before Wasim Jaffer (112 not out) and a quick fire unbeaten 54 from Adam Friar secured the points for the coastal outfit.

Rainford 2nd X1 continued their good start to the season with a 46 run win at Caldy with Phil Curran maintaining his fine run of form with another half century. Curran finished on 78 in Rainford’s total of 197 for 5 declared. Will Tabern (46), Matt Campbell (23) and Andrew Harrison (20 not out) all helped to boost the total.

In the home sides reply Andrew Johnson bagged two early victims before Chris Spencer (4 for 53) and Harrison (3 for 24) sorted the job for Rainford as Caldy were dismissed for 151.

Sunday’s 3rd X1 match against Rainhill was abandoned due to rain.