RAINHILL recorded a big win against Southport and Birkdale in the Liverpool Gin Liverpool Competition Premier League, triumphing by 126 runs.

Luke Procter (100 not out) and Ross Higham (53) enabled a declaration at 240 for 7 before the Sandgrounders were bowled out for 114.

Procter starred again with 4 for 39.

New recruit Anuj Dal took 3 for 23 and Qaiser Ashraf 3 for 44.

Both local Division One sides continued their good form.

Newton le Willows won by seven wickets against Highfield, while Rainford beat Wavertree by 39 runs to stay top of the pile.

At Newton, Sam Guest bowled well to take 7 for 43 as Highfield were all out for 140.

In reply young Ben Walkden was in total command as his unbeaten 76 saw his side to victory.

Rainford posted 164 against Wavertree with John Dotters top scoring with 38.

Andy Davies then did the damage in the second half with 5 for 22 as the visitors were dismissed for 125.

Dotters chipped in with 3 for 36 on a good day for him all round.

In Division Two, St Helens Town narrowly failed in their attempt to overhaul Parkfield Liscard’s 215 for 5 declared.

Jaidel Richardson took 3 for 40 in the first innings

A top knock from Jimmy Davies (80) supported by Matt Bielby’s 30 helped them to just nine runs short of the target at 206 for 8, for a draw.

Sutton made a decent 213 against Liverpool with Joe Noctor hitting 93 and Jamie Greener 33.

Unfortunately it was not enough as the County out-ground side won by five wickets.