Rainford suffered their first defeat in six games at the hands of leaders Birkenhead Park last Saturday in Division 1 of the Med Imaging Liverpool and District Cricket Competition.

The Wirral outfit batted first and recovered well from being 109 for 6 to compile an imposing 266 all out. Oliver Jump had the most success for Rainford taking 4 for 46 whilst John Dotters and Daron Cruickshank bagged a couple of wickets apiece.

The Rainford reply faltered early on and they in turn lost the first six wickets for 86. Opener Matt Bailey was still there however and together with Ravi Mistry (22) the score was taken to 150 before Mistry perished. Bailey continued until he was the ninth man out for an excellent knock of 92 before the last wicket fell at 204.

The 2nd X1 returned from Prestatyn with a very satisfying eight wicket win which keeps them on top of the 2nd X1 2nd Division table. The prodigal Andrew Pickavance marked his return with 4 for 47 and with skipper Andrew Harrison nipping in with 3 for 20 and Steven Cline knocking over 2 for 30 the Welshman were bowled out for 136.

The total was reached for the loss of two wickets with Stuart Benzies nudging the selectors with an excellent 90 not out to ensure the win.