RAINHILL Cricket Club enjoyed a superb weekend recording two victories which secured them first division status in the Merseyside Competition for the next season.

Following their emphatic victory at Sutton the previous day, Rainhill travelled to Liverpool Nalgo with the winners taking the final place in the first division.

Rainhill elected to bat and a solid start by Peter Woods and Peter Mercer laid the foundation for a big total. When Mercer went for 22 with the score on 45, David Bolton took up the challenge with considerable gusto. He dominated the scoring with a blistering 69 in as many balls and when he was out at 146-2 Rainhill were in complete control.

Woods continued his measured innings for an unbeaten 76 and with support from Paul Ford Jnr. (18) Rainhill declared on 202-4.

The pressure proved too much for Nalgo in reply with Nick Chapman quickly removing their opener to leave them 2-1. Paul Ford Jnr. bowled with spirit to gain four wickets as Nalgo folded to 24-5. Then captain Paul Ford put on Ian Blakemore and David Bolton with immediate success., Bolton claiming two wickets and Blakemore three as Nalgo finished 44 all out. Paul Ford Jnr. (4-20) Ian Blakemore (3-6) David Bolton (2-14) and Nick Chapman (1-10). Rainhill finished the season unbeaten in their last 11games including five victories out of the last six.

There was a disappointing end to the season for the 2nd XI though with defeat at home to Nalgo. They were all out for 128 with only Steve Toghill (47) showing any resistance. The visitors finished on 129-3.

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