RAINFORD'S claimed the lion's share of the points at home to Hesketh Bank on Saturday.

Asked to bat first Rainford smashed the Bank attack to all parts of the ground with opener Dalrymple leading the way with a chanceless 92.

Harrison then took up the gauntlet, grabbing his fourth consecutive half-ton.

And with Calland and Finney both chipping in useful runs Rainford declared on 242-6 from 42 overs.

Hesketh Bank's innings started slowly under pressure from the accurate bowling of Finney and Schofield. Harrison eventually made the breakthrough with two wickets in one over.

Donnelly continued the good work with two more and with time running out and the batsmen refusing to play ball a final two-wicket salvo from Finney and one from Corden saw Hesketh Bank reduced to 150-8 at the close.

Match ball sponsor Ralph Rigby Insurance Services.

The second team travelled to Croston and were unlucky not to claim victory.

Batting first, Rainford reached 226-6 with opener Dave Hilton hitting a top drawer 89, while Gallagher played well for his 47. In reply, Croston never looked like reaching their target. Gallagher, Curran and Fogarty all bowled tightly but Richard Eaton's 5-33 almost swung the match Rainford way as Croston limped to 142-8.

On Sunday, Rainford's Sandhurst Shield hopes crashed at Orrell. Orrell batted first and rattled up 250 from their 45 overs. Phil Schofield was the pick of the Rainford bowlers taking 3-16 from nine overs, while Donnelly also impressed. Rainford's innings was a fine team effort. Mike Cook set his side on their way with an entertaining 30, and the momentum was carried on by Calland and Finney. Hope and Harrison then rebuilt with a half century stand, but Harrison's dismissal for 40 sunk Rainford's victory chance as they were all out for 225.

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