RAINHILL CC won a thrilling derby clash against Prescot Odyssey with just one ball to spare.

New Rainhill skipper Ray Ford won the toss and asked Prescot to bat first. And after a dozen overs of pace, he changed to an all-spin attack.

Dave Marshall, Andrew Ford and Dan Blakemore bowled 37 overs between them and wickets fell at regular intervals.

Prescot declared in the 50th over with the score at 152-9.

Fifteen-year-old Andrew Ford took his first five-wicket haul for 64 runs in a 17-over spell, while the ageless Dan Blakemore captured 2-44 in 14 overs.

In reply, Rainhill were soon in trouble at 6-2, but Andrew Ford and Dave Marshall took the score into the 40s before further wickets fell to leave Rainhill at 75-5.

Rainhill were now in the last 20 overs and need impetus from somewhere.

This was immediately provided by Robbie Marshall and Nick Chapman who plundered 38 runs from 41 balls.

When Chapman was dismissed it was left to Dave Birkett and Robbie Marshall to score three runs from the final over.

And Marshall completed the job ion style, crashing the fifth ball for four, taking his score to 48 not out and earning the man of the match award.

Match sponsor was Graham's Garage, of Prescot.

Meanwhile, Rainhill seconds made it a double over Prescot and Odyssey.

Prescot scored 186-3 in 45 overs, with Edwards (72) and Murphy (68) the top scorers. Andy Leah claimed 2-15.

Rainhill achieved victory in 44 overs, with Ste Toghill hitting a marvellous 109 not out and Dave Hawkins 34.

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