Rainford kept their Liverpool Competition Premier League survival hopes alive with a stunning victory over local rivals Ormskirk. Winless this season and at the foot of the table, Rainford pulled off a magnificent six wicket win to take the relegation battle to the very last week.

Amidst scenes not seen at the Jubilee Recreation Ground for some considerable time South African Nic Hendrie (107 not out), ably assisted by Dave Tully (48) and Ravi Mistry (41 not out) chased down Ormskirk’s total of 220 for 3 to win with just two overs left.

Rainford’s reply faltered early on with Hendrie and Tully coming together with the score at 22 for 3.

The pair calmly added 104 for the fourth wicket before Tully perished leaving the 20 year old South African to forge the match winning partnership with Mistry. Hendrie, the Premier League’s fourth highest run scorer, saw the job through to the end with Mistry matching him shot for shot.

The win lifts Rainford off the bottom but Hightown’s win at Maghull puts them 13 points clear of Rainford.

The task next week is clear. Nothing less than a win at New Brighton will do and then survival depends on the outcome of Hightown’s trip to Leigh.

Rainford 2nds recorded a thumping 87 run win over Skelmersdale to keep up their promotion bid.

Phil Murgatroyd (34 not out) and David Cristian (23) led the way as their side declared on 165 for 8. Chris Spencer (5 for 23) and Phil Curran (3 for 9) wrapped the game up in the second half as Skelmersdale were dismissed for 78.

Rainford’s delight was tempered by the news that Prestatyn had failed to travel to Rainhill 2nds, their rivals in the promotion race, thereby gifting them 25 points, and now six ahead of Rainford with one game to go. Rainford 3rds secured their mid table slot with a 76 run win over Formby. Will Threlkeld (77) and Ian Fairweather (50) enabled a declaration at 214 for 5 before Formby were dismissed for 138.

Stephen Cline picked up three wickets with Chris Bell and Will Griffiths bagging a brace apiece.