RAINHILL first XI's unbeaten start to the season continued with a draw at Prescot and Odyssey.

Captain Peter Woods won the toss and inserted the home side with immediate rewards as Prescot stumbled to 6-3. Dave Birkett with two wickets and Nick Chapman with one were the successful bowlers. Prescot dug deep and battled away moving the score to 50-3 in 30 overs. Rainhill's next success came at 78-4 when Mattie Dale broke the stubborn partnership.

Prescot began to increase the scoring rate with Alan McColl in good form. When he departed for 62 Prescot had reached 139. A rapid 40 from Chris Whelan allowed the home side to declare on 163-7. Best of the Rainhill bowling Dave Birkett 2-18 and Peter Swift 2-23.

In reply Rainhill made a poor start and at 10-2 looked up against it. Peter Woods went lbw for 20 with the score on 42. Dominic Sparkes was stroking the ball well and he compiled a fine 57 before falling at 106-6. Rainhill could never come to terms with the scoring rate and 21 not out from Dave Birkett and a stubborn 8 not out from Mattie Dale saw them close on 131-6.

Rainhill second XI recorded an excellent victory at home to Prescot and Odyssey. Chasing the visitors' total of 198-6, Steve Toghill hit 43, Andrew Ford 29, Andrew Creeghan 33 and a match-winning 36 not out from Alex Moore.

This weekend Rainhill play Wavertree.

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