IT was a case of so near but so far for Rainhill CC in a defeat at Irby.

Batting first, Rainhill progressed smoothly to 16 before they lost their opening wicket. Andy Birkett with 12 was the second wicket to fall on 22 and this was soon 24-4.

At 38-6 Rainhill battled away for a number of overs but when the seventh wicket went at 53 the end was very close. The final three wickets added only three and Rainhill were all out for a very disappointing 56.

With 20 minutes before tea Rainhill gave themselves hope reducing Irby to 8-2 with wickets for Dave Birkett and Nick Chapman. Better was to come after the interval as Birkett and Chapman struck into the home side as they folded to 20-7.

Brilliant catching and excellent fielding seemed to have put Rainhill into a match winning position. However it was not to be, with catches being dropped and crucial extras being conceded the eighth wicket put on 33 valuable runs.

Birkett claimed his fourth wicket at 53-8, but it was all too late as Irby scrambled home on 57-8. Dave Birkett 4-22 and Nick Chapman 4-25.

Rainhill seconds also lost to Irby who scored 170-3 declared. In reply Rainhill could only manage 61. This weekend Rainhill play St Asph.

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