RAINFORD progressed to the semi-finals of the Voneus Village Cup with an eight wicket win against Cheshire County side Alvanley.

A five star performance from Jimmy Davies with 2 for 32 off his eight overs and 55 not out, grabs the headlines but this was another fine all-round team performance in front of a huge local support.

After being asked to bat, the visitors made steady progress through a brisk 20 from skipper Michael Rowlands and Stephen Charles (35) reaching 76 for 3.

Simon Gee’s splendid 69 anchored the innings until being run out following good work from Will Curran and the total was boosted by a quick 18 from Charlie Fletcher, leaving the Cheshire outfit on 188 after their allotted overs.

Liam Gaskell was the pick of the Rainford attack with 3 for 39.

St Helens Star:

Matthew Bailey

The story of the Rainford reply can be told in two partnerships. Matthew Bailey (34) and John Dotters (51) put on 85 for the first wicket before Bailey was caught by Gee off the bowling of James Ecclestone.

Five runs later, Dotters departed to bring Craig Woods and Jimmy Davies together.

They steadily worked away towards the target, Woods (40) in clinical fashion and Davies (55) with a touch more vigour, and saw their side home with an unbroken century partnership.

St Helens Star:

Rainford are now at home to Dumbleton CC (Gloucestershire) on Sunday 31 July.

Pictures: Dennis Mussell.