RAINFORD'S run in the Voneus Village Cup came to an abrupt end on Sunday, when they lost by 69 runs to Dumbleton CC.
In front of a crowd the size of which has never been seen before at the Jubilee Recreation Ground, the Gloucestershire outfit proved too strong in all departments and were worthy winners of a coveted place in the Lords final.
Asked to bat first, openers Dan Holland (30) and Ross Martin (43) made maximum use of the first power play, blitzing their way to 69 before Martin was caught by Gaskell off Mark Williams.
This signalled a fight back from Rainford with Andy Davies bowling frugally for 3 for 14 and Williams finishing his spell with 3 for 25, before the visitor’s late middle order regained the initiative.
Myles Holland, Aaron Tomson and Ollie Horne all chipped in with useful contributions, as. despite Michael Lambert bagging three wickets, Dumbleton finished on a useful 166 for 8.
Ranford’s reply started badly, losing John Dotters and Mathew Bailey with just nine on the board.
Thereafter the innings never really got going and wickets fell steadily with Martin the chief wicket taker with 3 for 17 and Horne bowling his eight overs for just 8 runs and 2 wickets.
Mark Potter made a valiant 27, but a combination of some shrewd field placing backed up by excellent fielding and bowling was too much for Rainford to overcome.
Rainford’s first year in the Village Competition has been hugely enjoyable and exceeded expectations. The matches have been extremely popular with folk in the village and the club thanks all those for supporting them in such numbers.
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