RAINFORD came out on top in the Med Imaging Liverpool Competition Division 1 clash with local rivals Rainhill, triumphing by two wickets in a close and exciting contest.

In a low scoring encounter both sides lost wickets steadily and both innings benefitted from productive partnerships, with the one from John Dotters (39 no) and Andy Davies (17 no) eventually winning the game for Rainford.

Rainhill elected to bat and were soon in trouble losing five wickets for 57 runs. Rainford Skipper Davies enjoyed most success with 4 for 33 whilst Daron Cruickshank and John Dotters picked up two wickets each as the visitors reached a precarious 84 for 9. Ryan Williams was last man out for 34 sharing in a 33 run last wicket stand with Tony Wilding as Rainhill were dismissed for 127.

Matt Bailey (21) and Mark Brook (21) made a solid start for Rainford before eight wickets fell for 50 runs leaving the home side in deep trouble at 91 for 8.

Young Dotters and his skipper however, calmly knocked off the required runs to give Rainford their third consecutive win. Joe Bibby had a day to remember for the 2nds at Skelmersdale recording career best figures of 8 for 18 in a terrific spell of bowling as the hosts were dismissed for 132. Rainford made light work of reaching their target with Justin Dalrymple hitting 64 as they won by six wickets.

On Sunday the 3rd X1 lost by 72 runs to Highfield 3rds and the 1st X1 went out of the Ray Digman cup after a seven wicket defeat at Lytham.