WITH six regulars missing Rainford paid the price when they visited fellow title contenders Eccleston.

Asked to bat Rainford were bundled out for just 88 with only Andy Robinson putting together anything approaching an innings. But Robinson was run out for 31 as Rainford also managed to take running between the wickets to a new low during their innings, Welding being the other batter left out of his ground.

At least Rainford showed a little more spirit in the field as all the bowlers stuck to their tasks well. Calland and Corden were the sole wicket takers, clean bowling the Eccleston opening pair, but with little fuss the hosts eased to an eight-wicket success to leave Rainford's season in danger of falling apart unless they can produce a much better performance against this weeks visitors Croston.

With half of his side on first team duty, skipper John Pickavance worked wonders just to get eleven players on the field for the second teams clash with Eccleston.

The pattern of the game mirrored the first team efforts with Rainford being dismissed for just 75. This score could have been a lot worse if it wasn't for number 10 Keith Haskayne who decided putting bat to ball was the only answer as he struck an unbeaten 23.

Without much ado the visitors then cruised to a ten-wicket success.

Match ball sponsor was Beesley and Fildes.

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