RAINFORD Cricket Club First XI dominated their fixture at Litherland on Saturday but couldn't take the one wicket that would have given them their first maximum points of the season.

After Cook's early dismissal Dalrymple and Howard completely bossed the home side attack with a chanceless 100 partnership on what approved to be a difficult wicket to predict.

Dalrymple eventually departed for a well struck 63 but Howard pressed on treating the frenzied local onlookers to every shot in the book until his eventual demise for a top notch 74.

Calland and Robinson then went in search of the declaration, their bold hitting allied to some poor home fielding meant Rainford skipper Harrison could call his side in after only 45 overs with the score at 217-6.

The home side's reply stuttered immediately as Donnelly took two wickets in two balls to reduce them to 3-2. A mini revival took place but was halted by Schofield who had top scorer Thornton caught in the slips.

Harrison then got into the act taking two wickets and with the help of Corden whose three strikes blasted out the middle order left Litherland in all sorts of bother. However, some spirited late resistance ensured a gripping finale but even with all the players gathered around the bat the last wicket remained intact, the home side finishing on 102/9. In the reserve fixture the second XI earned a creditable draw in a high scoring encounter. The visitors took first knock and rattled up 194 from their overs. The home attack, led admirably once again by David Harrison, were never really outgunned on a batsman's paradise.

Harrison finished with three wickets, as did young seamer Fogarty while both Ford and Frodsham bowled well without much luck.

The Rainford reply started brightly with openers Williams and Maddison putting together a 70 run partnership. Williams' dismissal for 26 signalled a mini collapse but Maddison along with Tony Ford steadied the ship before Madison's eventual downfall on 59. Harrison then joined Ford at the crease as the two chased an unlikely victory. Harrison sent one ball sailing out of the ground during his unbeaten 34 while Ford's not out 26 meant a nail-biting end but Rainford fell just short on 174-6.

Match ball sponsor was Beesley and Fieldes.

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