Alder 1st vs Rainhill 1st: In the 1st Division of the Liverpool comp, 12 teams fight for relegation and promotion.

With two being relegated and two being promoted it means that most teams have something to play for till the last game of the season. 12th vs 10th meant this was an early relegation battle.

Although the wicket was wet and Alder had an ex Pakistani test fast bowler, (who was described in Brian Lara’s autobiography as being the fastest he has ever faced) Rainhill confidently elected to bat.

This decision was justified by an opening partnership of 85 before Edmundson was dismissed for a run a ball 57.

Brown joined Rotheram and their 139 run partnership allowed Rainhill to declare on 224 for 1 off 51 overs. Rotheram got a ton (110no) and Brown (42no).

In reply Alder started poorly.

The tight left arm round from Qureshi and the seam from Williams ripped out the top order.

At 11 for 5 Rainhill were keen to finish off the Liverpool opposition but McHale (56no) and stoppages for rain kept the points in the balance.

Qureshi’s 4 for 14 from 17 and Williams’ 4 for 28 from 9 meant Alder capitulated to 92 all out from 34 overs.

The much needed 25 points takes Rainhill up to 7th in the tight league where anyone can roll over anyone else.