RAINFORD lifted the Sandhurst Shield for the first time in their history with a 91-run victory over Croston on Sunday.

And with league results going their way, they are on course for the double.

But skipper Ste Harrison warned: "We're still only halfway there."

Asked to bat first against Croston at Burscough, Rainford openers Cook (18) and Dairymple (37), gave them a solid start before both were dismissed trying to lift the tempo. Calland and Robinson then shared the biggest partnership of the day mixing well timed shots with raw power before Robinson fell for 30, and then the skippers short but sweet stay for 17 added yet more impetus.

All the while man of the match Calland played the anchor role to perfection, his half century coming from a glorious cover drive, and with Tulley at the other end providing support it left Rainford on a challenging 186-4 from their 45 overs.

The Croston innings started disastrously as Harrison's determination to leave his mark on the final saw him claim the top three batsmen in a devastating opening burst. At 45-3 from a little under two an over the pressure was mounting on the Croston side all the time. Any attempt to force the pace was met with equal resistance as both Hilton and Tulley threw down the stumps as consecutive batsmen went for quick singles. Only Caunce (23) made any impact for Croston who had no answer to Rainford's quintet of quick's, who backed up by no-nonsense fielding, reduced them to 95 all out.

The league victory over Litherland was the perfect appetiser for Sunday. Harrison's five wickets and Robinson's three reduced the Liverpool side to a paltry 43 all out, a total well within Rainford's reach as they cruised to a nine wicket success.

The seconds recorded a much-needed win at home to Litherland. The visitors looked well set at 60-1 and then 85-3 but Welding and Corden, who both bowled unchanged throughout, gained the upper hand and with figures of 6-60 and 4-38 respectively dismissed Litherland for just 107.

Openers Maddison and Warbrick led the Rainford reply with a commanding 80 run partnership. Maddison departed for 30 but Warbrick went on to ease the hosts to an impressive nine-wicket victory.