RAINFORD were defeated in a closely fought contest at Croston on Saturday.

The home side invited Rainford to bat and then rolled out the heavy artillery in the guise of pace men Marsh and Eastman.

The early dismissals of Cook and Howard brought Robinson to the crease to join opener Dalrymple and the two started to turn the game the visitors' way. Dalrymple's exit for 32 provided only temporary respite for the Croston attack as Robinson took full control.

However, the young Aussie then fell victim to a stunning catch at point as he was out for 30. In a state of shock, the Rainford middle order collapsed to 103-7 and an early finish looked on the cards.

But late order batsmen Hilton, Corden, Donnelly and Schofield had other ideas as the tail wagged to take Rainford to a respectable 155.

In reply the home side lost an early wicket to the bowling of Harrison but then recovered to a commanding 83-1, the last hour commencing with Croston requiring just 73 from a minimum of 20 overs.

Corden then clean bowled opener Banks for 63 and the scene was set for a tight finish.

Calland and Harrison then started to turn the screws as the pressure gripped the home batsmen and with just three overs remaining Croston still required 20 to win. It was then the turn of Rainford to feel the pressure as some sloppy fielding allowed the home side some easy runs and with just three balls remaining they ran out five wicket winners.

The second eleven played hosts to Croston and recorded their first league victory of the season.

Rainford took first knock and got off to a dream start as John Williams blasted a stunning 70. Maddison and Welding also continued their fine form of late, both scoring 39 as the home side took total command.

Wickets fell in the late run chase but skipper Rainford rattled up 192-8 from their 50 overs.

Without Harrison for the first time this season the Rainford attack looked thin on the ground but the three seamers all rose to the challenge magnificently. Welding was chief wicket-taker with 4-40, but Fogarty (3-31) and Ford (3-25) more than played their part as Croston were shot out for 121.

Match ball sponsor was Dr R G Charles.

On Sunday the first defeated Mawdesley to reach theifinal of the Sandhurst Shield for the first time.

Mawdesley batted first and were restricted to a modest total of 135-7 with Schofield, Harrison, Calland and Welding all starring with the ball.

The Rainford reply began disastrously as Dalrymple, Robinson and Hilton all perished cheaply to leave the visitors teetering at 4-3 and when Cook departed soon after the game looked all over at 14-4.

However, the Mawdesley attack had bargained without skipper Harrison and Calland. They stroked the ball to all parts of the ground in a top drawer 100 partnership. Calland's dismissal with 20 runs still required brought no respite as Hope joined Harrison at the crease to guide Rainford to a five wicket success, Harrison remaining unbeaten on 75.

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