RAINHILL consolidated their league position by beating Old Xaverians at High Lee.

Captain Mike Rotheram's innings was cut short when he was trapped LBW on 10, but Matthew Clifford kept the scoreboard ticking over and occupied the crease for ONE hour 34 minutes for 31 off 91 balls to compile a vital partnership of 48 with a similar time-consuming 35 from Chris Wilson. Alan Creegan contributed a useful 19 as Rainhill were bowled out for 133 off 60.3 overs.

The tea must have done the Rainhill bowlers some good, because the first three bowlers took three wickets apiece which were Dave Birkett's 3 for 15, Mattie Dale's 3 for 27 and left arm slow Chris Swift took 3 for 16. With previous wicket keeping experience Alan Creegan took 3 excellent catches to make sure Old Xaverians were bowled out for 69 and clinched the well deserved victory in the last over of the match.

The seconds declared on 150-8 after a marathon 66 overs at Victoria Terrace. Mark Ford compiled a vital 30 s and Tony Wright came good by scoring a brilliant 51. After a very late tea Old Xavs were in trouble at 19 for 3 but I. Deakin came to the rescue to score 53 and C. Hyland 39 won them the game by three wickets.

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