RAINHILL recorded a convincing win against Whitefield on Saturday.

After losing the toss Rainhill were put into bat, but the innings started slowly and Captain Mike Rotheram went early on.

Opener Matthew Clifford fell for only 10 which included a super six. Andy Lewis and Peter Mercer consolidated the innings with a fine 50 for Lewis and a 24 for Mercer.

Nick Chapman also chipped in with a quick fire 22 off 18 balls to bring Rainhill to a declaration on 122-6 off 50 overs.

In reply Whitefield's innings was slower than Rainhill's with seven runs off the first 12 overs. However, the introduction of Mattie Dale put more pressure on the home team and Dale finished off with fine figures of 4-10 off eight overs, including a stupendous catch from wicket keeper Clifford. Nick Chapman polished off the tail to finish with 4 -10 from 10.4 overs with Whitefield all out for 91.

The seconds scored 175-8 in 50 overs with Ken Bold making 45 and C. Vanezis an excellent 36 including a six, but Whitefield's Barry Taylor scored the decisive 76 runs to give them the win by six wickets.

Meanwhile, the club's midweek team lifted the St. Helens & District Midweek League Division One Cup. In a match of 2 innings each of 20 overs, Beeches batting first and scored 82-2 with M. Harvey unbeaten on 52. Steve Milnes took the two wickets for Rainhill and in reply they made a slight lead to score 90-3 with Mike Rotheram not out 59. Beeches were set 103 runs to win off 20 overs and made a valiant effort with Man of the Match Chris Murray not out 5. This was due to Rainhill's superb bowling to keep their scoring down and to win the match by 14 runs. Both teams express their thanks to the tea ladies who provided an excellent tea.

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