WITH one match to go, it looks like another season in the second division for Rainhill.

They travelled to Parkfield elected to bat first. Wickets went down regularly, before Mike Rotheram steadied the innings with 36, taking the total from 63-5 to 122-6.

David Rowe (40) and Mattie Dale (26) produced a vital 59- run partnership as Rainhill reached 141-9 declared off 55 overs.

After tea Rainhill got an early breakthrough with Nick Chapman taking two vital wickets for 46. David Birkett and Mike Rotheram followed up with one apiece but it was not enough to prevent Parkfield from winning by six wickets.

Rainhill seconds were in deep trouble at 16-4, but Ken Bold came to the rescue to compile an unbeaten 72 not out scoring five fours. The tail end contributed well with Andy Bennett's quickfire 23, Brian Cashman's 11, Peter Swift's 10 and Phil Atherton's 13 taking the total to 162-9 declared off 64 overs.

The Rainhill bowlers did really well and took six excellent wickets to get back in contention, but Parkfield won by four wickets.

Members of Rainhill Recreation Club are cordially invited to a Specail Sports Forum on Thursday, September 23. Leading personalities from cricket, football and rugby are aalongside comedian John Martin. Tickets are on sale from Club Members at £5 each (includes Hot Pot) or pay at the door from 8pm.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.