RAINFORD produced a magnificent fightback almost snatching victory against Rainhill in an enthralling MSCA clash at the Jubilee Recreation Ground.

After a tense last two overs with Rainhill clinging on, both sides had to settle for a draw, the home side denied by just one wicket and the visitors 17 runs short of Rainford's total of 178.

Solid contributions from Dave Tully (42) and Chris Tonge (40) together with a late flourish of 29 from Ian Gaskell helped Rainford to their total. Mohammad Ashraful did the damage for Rainhill taking 5 for 39.

Mike Rotheram (52) and Colin Wilson (42) gave Rainhill a fine start to their reply as the Rainford total looked far from enough.

However once Rainford got the breakthrough and dismissed Ashraful for 25 Rainhill collapsed like a pack of cards.

Aussie Lee Woolcock, on his league debut, captured 5 for 38 and Chris Tonge, returning for a second spell, blasted out three Rainhill batsmen in quick succession to set up a grandstand finish. Match Sponsor Ralph Rigby Insurance.

Rainford 2nd X1 had the better of a draw with Burscough also just needing one more wicket for victory. An excellent all round batting performance produced a sizeable 197 for 8 which included a half century from John R Williams (55).

Keith Haskayne (34), Mike Vincent (26), Sam Pape (25 not out) and Ian Donnelly (27) all chipped in.

The experienced duo of Phil Corden (4-51) and Steve Murgatroyd (3-59) nearly earned a win for Rainford but Burscough's last pair hung on at 175 for 9.