RAINFORD entertained Haydock and earned the lion's share of the points in a game where the outcome was undecided until the final ball.

Batting first, the hosts got off to a bright start as Robinson took charge with a bright and breezy 48.

Alan Maddison then entered the first team fray after an absence of four years and showed that there is no substitute for experience, as he stroked an effortless 69.

Hilton then raised the tempo even more and it was no more than Rainford deserved as they ended their innings on 183-8.

A. Croston (2-35) and I Brown (2-35) were the pick of the Haydock bowlers.

In reply, Haydock started well with S. Lathom (45) and A. Derbyshire (32) in the runs as they moved to 100-2. getting amongst the runs.

But then Curran and Welding put the brakes on with some fine seam bowling and with both grabbing two wickets the hosts were back in the hunt.

A break for rain saw seven of the remaining 10 overs lost and despite some good hitting by P. Tatton (29 n.o.) Haydock finished on 178-6, just five runs short.

In the battle of the 2nd XIs at Piele Road, Haydock ran out easy winners.

Batting first, Rainford posted a total of 104 with only Pendleton (48) and Whitehead (13) reaching double figures.

P. Roberts (5-24) and S. Hill (3-26) were the pick of the Haydock bowlers.

Michael Lambert (2-7) then did his best to pull the game back Rainford's way but the bowling at the opposite end lacked real penetration as Haydock eased home by eight wickets, B. Cross blasting a quick fire 70 not out, supported by P. Roberts (15 n.o.).

The Sandhurst semi-final at Skelmersdale finally got underway and what a game it was.

Holders Rainford were on the back foot for much of the afternoon as Skem, batting first, posted a total of 171. Curran was the pick of the Rainford attack with 5-32.

In reply, the prize wicket of Robinson (25) fell with only 33 on the board and when Eaton, Tulley and Harrison went in quick succession Rainford were in trouble at 90-6.

Dave Hilton pushed the score along until another collapse saw the holders almost down and out at 141-9.

But then Hilton (57 n.o.) was jointed by last man Donnelly (11 n.o.) and the pair stunned the large home contingent as they pummelled Rainford to a spectacular one-wicket triumph.