RAINHILL remain bottom of the Love Lane Liverpool Cricket Competition's Premier Division after holding out for a draw against Orrell Red Triangle.

The visitors declared after 60 overs having amassed 247 for five but they were unable to bowl out a defiant Rainhill side for whom Sam Kershaw (51no) and Tyler McGladdery (49) contributed as the hosts closed on 153 for six. 

Newton le Willows are up to fourth following a fine away win at Southport and Birkdale. Jack Morley (3-78) and Afaq Ali Sartaj (3-58) combined as the hosts reached 227 for seven off 59 overs. Ben Walkden (89) led the chase with great support from Rizwan Haider (58no) and Subhaan Mahmood (48) as the visitors rea hed the target in the 50th over for the loss of five wickets. 

Rainford lost their first game of the season as they slipped up badly against Liverpool in Division One. The in-form John Dotters took seven for 37 alongside Andrew Davies (3-54) as the visitors were restricted to 142 all out before the hosts slumped to 103 all out in reply. Marcus Atkinson (24no) top scored.

Division Two's action saw St Helens Town declare on 155 for seven off 55 overs at home to Prestatyn with William Griffiths (32) top scoring. The target proved not to be enough as the Welsh side won a close game by two wickets despite three victims apiece for Griffiths (3-28) and Sharan Rajendran (3-59).

In the Premier Division of the Southport and District League, Prescot and Odyssey's Kurt Sabela took five for 37 and Nathan Dagnall four for 44 as Burscough were bowled out for 204. Sanjo Varghese (42) top scored as the hosts were dimissed for 115.

Haydock lost by 69 runs to Halsall West End while in Division Two, Earlstown are top after bowling out Burscough's 2nd XI for just 34.