RAINFORD produced a major suprise in the Southport and District League on Saturday.

Without a win this season, they defeated champions Eccleston by five-wickets.

Eccleston won the toss and decided to bat but were immediately pegged back by a double strike from Calland and one from Schofield to leave them rocking at 20-3.

A middle order revival aided by some sloppy home fielding appeared to be turning the game the visitors' way until Schofield unleashed a leg stump yorker to dismiss danger man Foster.

Change bowler Harrison then took two quick wickets and with Calland getting the breaks at the other end the Eccleston innings folded for 110.

Calland, without a wicket so far this season, was Rainford's top bowler finishing with excellent figures of 6-44.

The home side reply began briskly until Dalrymple tried one big hit too many and was caught in the deep.

Young Australian Robinson then joined Howard at the crease and the pair pushed the score along before Howard's dismissal, clean bowled for 12.

Cook and Calland then went cheaply to set the Rainford pulses racing as the visitors sensed a way back in to the match. However, Robinson was still there displaying a lovely touch all around the wicket and with Harrison scoring freely at the other end the target edged ever closer. Robinson's 50 duly arrived courtesy of two classic shots from the bowling of Eccleston pack man Wade and then a clubbing hit from Harrison sealed the points for Rainford.

Match ball sponsor was Flangefitt Stainless.

The second team made the opposite trip to Eccleston and came away with a hard fought draw.

The home side posted a formidable 229-4 despite the tireless efforts of the Rainford bowlers led admirably once again by veteran medium pacer Tony Ford (2-44).

The Rainford reply survived an early scare before Maddison (80) and Welding (40) led the visitors to a threatening 158-2.

With the platform set for a stunning victory the innings then fell sharply away and it was left to Pendleton to lead the rear guard action as Rainford closed on a disappointing 170-8.

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