PRESCOT and Odyssey Cricket Club went agonisingly close to victory in their opening league game against newly promoted Birkenhead St Mary's.

The teams were preparing to take the field when torrential rain arrived. The wicket was covered and after a delay of more than hours play started soon after 4pm. Realising quick runs were needed if a result was to be achieved P&O batting first set off a pace. New skipper Carl Oughterson top scored with 26 runs and at 126-7 the bell was pulled on the innings.

In reply St Mary's were never in the hunt, Ian Hayhurst ripped out the heart of the visitors' batting claiming 5-21 off his 14 overs. P&O, however could not finish the job and despite wickets from Wilkinson & Dagnall St Mary's hung on for the draw, finishing on 50-9. Match ball sponsors were Gornalls Funeral Services.

The second team travelled to Birkenhead only to be frustrated by the rain, the match was abandoned before a ball was bowled.

The third team were trounced by visitors Capenhurst who batting first scored 86-6, they then proceeded to bowl out a young P&O side for 25.

This weekend P&Os two senior teams play Parkfield, the second XI being the home team at Burrows Lane. The thirds visit Caldy.