RAINHILL'S apparent inability to bowl a side out was demonstrated at Birkenhead St. Mary's on Saturday.

St Marys scored a formidable total of 192-9 declared off 49.3 overs to gain double batting points.

Their best bat was J. Ford who scored a quick fire 74 including 11 fours and a six until he was caught by Peter Mercer off Captain Mike Rotheram's bowling who had a terrific match taking 4-37.

Dave Birkett was on form in getting three valuable wickets for 51 as the Birkenhead side threatened to run rampant.

After tea Rainhill were accused of a slow run rate as they decided to block out most of the innings. Nick Chapman is proving to be a useful all rounder because he remained unbeaten on 42 not out in order to get four batting points at 150 for 7 for the match to end in a draw.

Meanwhile, back at Rainhill, the 2nd XI got off lightly with Birkenhead St. Mary's declaring on 166-4 off 45.2 overs. Under 15 youngster Liam Pearson managed to get the team a bowling point by taking a well deserved 3 wickets for 29 runs.

In reply Rainhill made a steady start until Brian Cashman smashed six fours and a six to take the total from 36-2 to 84 -4 in 10 overs until he was bowled for 35. The home side were eventually all out for 106.

The Sunday XI were entertained by Singlehurst who showed us how the batting should be done, scoring 170-6 off 43 overs. Ross Strachan kept them in check by taking three hard-earned wickets.

With two key batsmen missing, it proved very hard for Rainhill to mount a positive reply and with the rain dampening the proceedings made it even more difficult as Rainhill's innings crumbled to 44 all out.

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