RAINHILL CC's home fixture to Buckley became a victim of the heavy rain with the game very much in the balance.

Acting captain Nick Chapman won the toss and inserted the visitors on a greenish, firm track. Lively bowling from Chapman and Paul Ford was not rewarded and Buckley moved the score slowly on to only 12 in 13 overs. Mattie Dale gained the first success with the score on 27, but young spinner Andrew Ford changed the shape of the game. An excellent spell of three wickets in seven balls reduced Buckley to 45-4. However, they once again dug in before Ian Blakemore had further success at 78-5. During all this time Dave Hodgson the Buckley captain was batting with control and he moved the score past the 100 mark before he was run out for an excellent 87 with the visitors on 121-6. Buckley eventually declared on 140-8 in 52 overs. Pick of the Rainhill bowling Andrew Ford 3-21 and Mattie Dale 2-43.

As the Rainhill opening batsman walked on to the ground to start their reply the heavens opened and despite attempts to restart, the game was abandoned.

Rainhill seconds' fixture was abandoned without a ball being bowled. This weekend Rainhill play Irby.

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