RAINFORD Cricket Club' continued their relentless march towards Sandhurst Shield glory with a demolition of last year's league champions and cup runners-up Mawdesley.

The cup favourites were blown away by an innings of sheer power from makeshift opener Dalrymple who stroked the ball to all parts of the ground for 58. He received excellent support from Hope, while Harrison and Finney also chipped in with useful runs. At the end, Campbell and Hilton ensured the runs didn't dry up to set the hosts a reasonable target.

What happened next simply wasn't in the script. The large home crowd had barely settled down in their seats before opening bowlers Harrison and Corden had wiped out the top order. The usually reliable Mawdesley batting simply crumbled under the accurate bowling and by the time the 'swing twins' had finished their respective overs the home side were in complete disarray at 53-7. All that was left was for Schofield and Finney to polish off the tail to dismiss the home side for 67 all out.

The second team entertained Mawdesley and played their part in a hard fought contest. The visitors reached 175 despite the tireless efforts of a variety of bowlers. Veteran Ricky Gallagher continues to bely his age while youngsters Welding and Fogarty continue to improve. In reply, Rainford's top order made Mawdesley fight all the way. Skipper Williams once again laid the foundations with a slow but solid 29, but it was Pickavance's arrival at the crease that set the game on fire. He hit a whirlwind 61, including 20 off one over, but once he had gone the rest of the home sides batting couldn't capitalise as Rainford were all out for 140.

Match ball sponsor was Shaun Critchley International Conglomerates.

On Sunday, Rainford faced Prestwich in the Abbott Ale Cup and once again Dalrymple showed he was the man for the big occasion. A top class 75 cemented set the home side on their way. Hope carried on the good work as did Harrison and Finney as they built an impressive 212/9 from their 45 overs.

A lively opening burst from Finney had the visitors in trouble early on but then a fine stand saw Prestwich press home their advantage. Ste Harrison bowled tightly conceding only 13 runs off his nine overs and taking two wickets on the way, but sadly Rainford could not maintain the pressure as the Manchester side ran out four wicket winners with eight balls to spare.

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