RAINFORD'S topsy-turvy season continued last weekend with a comprehensive eight wicket defeat at home to Sefton Park. Batting first, Rainford made 161 with no-one making a major score and Matthew Bailey (28) Joe Noctor (28) and Pravin Tambe (23) the main contributors.

The visitors then had little trouble in reaching their target for the loss of two wickets.

The 2nd XI suffered a similar fate at Rainhill where the hosts made 195 before being bowled out, Steven Cline taking 3 for 56 and Andrew Harrison capturing 3 for 37. The Rainford reply never really took off as they were all out for 115.

The 3rd XI kept the flag flying with an excellent six wicket win against Northop Hall. Young Tom Preston produced a fine spell to finish with 6 for 34 leaving the Welsh side to declare on 175 for 9.

In reply Phil Corden anchored the innings to see things through with 67 not out, helped by Mike Cook’s significant contribution of 54.