AFTER a wonderful effort from Rainford’s groundsman and his helpers to clear away the previous day’s rainfall Rainford recorded another improved performance in the Liverpool Competition Premier Division.

They narrowly lost a keenly fought contest by two wickets against New Brighton.

In a game that could have gone either way the Wirral outfit were indebted to centurion Matthew Thompson who batted through to guide them home.

After being put in Rainford made an excellent start with Nic Hendrie and Matt Bailey putting on 61 before Bailey was dismissed for a well made 22. Hendrie was joined by Mark Williams and the pair took the score on to 109 before the South African was clean bowled for 64.

Williams then anchored the innings before being eighth out for 50, runs which now see him as the Premier Division’s leading run scorer.

The remaining wickets quickly followed as Rainford were dismissed for 181, Martyn Evans taking 5 for 37.

New Brighton lost opener Louis Botes with the third ball of the innings and found the going tough against an accurate Rainford attack. John Dotters continued his fine form taking 5 for 58 as wickets fell steadily whilst Matthew Thompson stood firm. With Rainford still in the game when New Brighton were 162 for 8 the New Brighton opener eventually finished on 103 not out to win the game for his side.

Rainford 2nd X1 suffered a seven wicket loss at Birkenhead Park after being bowled out for 105, skipper Phil Curran top scoring with 27.

The home side eased safely home. The 3rd X1 battled hard for a draw against Orrell after the visitors had rattled up 271 for 1 declared in just 37 overs, Mark Waddington scoring 165 not out. With father and son Ian (53) and Philip Fairweather (61) excelling, Rainford batted through 53 overs to gain the draw finishing on 202 for 8.