RAINHILL CC came down to earth with a bump away to league champions Caldy.

Captain Peter Woods with a depleted side won the toss and elected to bat. The opening partnership made good progress on a pitch with uneven bounce and Rainhill reached 43 before Peter Mercer fell for 18.

Peter Woods continued to bat with confidence and looked set for a big score before he was bowled for 32 to leave Rainhill on 75-2. A couple of quick wickets plunged Rainhill into trouble but mature batting from Andrew Ford pushed the score to 122-5 before he was out also for 32.

The rest of the Rainhill batting struggled and only a quickfire 18 from Nick Chapman helped the cause as Rainhill were all out for 149.

In reply, Caldy made a rapid start and captain Peter Woods was forced to turn to spin from both ends. Andrew Ford bowled the prolific Caldy opener Byrom Cooper at 34-1 and Ian Blakemore gained two wickets to reduce the homeside to 64-3. Caldy pushed the score past the 100 mark before Nick Chapman returned to reduce them to 103-4. Further success from Peter Swift and Chapman again gave Rainhill hope at 125-6. Positive batting and a little luck saw Caldy hit the winning runs with the score on 150-6.

The second team produced a creditable draw at home to Caldy. Caldy declared on 165-5 with Andy Birkett 3-40. In reply Rainhill posted 145-5 with Andy Birkett continuing his rich run of form with 76 not out.

This weekend Rainhill play Buckley with the first team at home.

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