Rainford finally delivered the sort of performance they have been promising all season and returned from Merseyside’s Cricket HQ, Aigburth, with a convincing win. A fine all round performance brought an eight wicket win which could now set them up for the rest of their season.

Liverpool, after being inserted, made good initial progress reaching 72 before losing their first wicket, quickly followed by the second on 74 when Australian James Seymour was bowled by John Dotters for 56. The young slow left arm bowler then went on to dominate proceedings eventually finishing with 7 for 44 as the hosts were bowled out for 159.

Matt Bailey and Mark Brook then put Rainford firmly in the driving seat with an opening stand of 79 before Brook was caught out for a brisk 43. Bailey went on to complete his second senior half century making 56 not out as, together with a quick fire 40 not out from Daron Cruikshank, Rainford cruised home by eight wickets.

The 2nd X1 came out best in an excellent tussle against a strong Spring View side in a game played alongside the traditional Walking Day fairground. Batting first they compiled a competitive 200 for 8 declared after Justin Dalrymple had hooked a duck when given out LBW in the first over. Will Tabern waltzed his way to a fine innings of 56 and Cameron McCulloch made a welcome seasonal appearance hitting 31 in Rainford’s total.

Spring View made steady progress throughout but were completely freaked out by the spin bowling of Chris Spencer who took 6 for 45. With skipper Andrew Harrison dodging in for 3 for 48 the visitors were all out for 158.

On Sunday the 3rd X1 lost by 76 runs to Formby. Joe Bibby took 3 for 26 and Ollie Lawrenson and Stu Burrill captured two wickets each as Formby reached 185 all out before Rainford were dismissed for 109, Dave Hilton top scoring with 36.