RAINFORD committed cricketing suicide when they allowed bottom-of-the-table Aughton their first victory of the season on Saturday.

Batting first, Aughton rattled up 180-6 despite the tireless efforts of a variety of bowlers.

Schofield bowled fast and straight early on and the return of Harrison brought more balance to the Rainford attack.

However, Troy Martyn, who impressed most taking 4-40 in a long spell.

In reply, Rainford's quest for victory crumbled with a succession of batsmen falling victim to rash and impatient shots.

Only one batsman got to grips with the home sides attack and as predicted Phil Corden finally found his form on the harder wickets.

A typical gutsy innings almost salvaged an unlikely draw but with just seven balls remaining Corden ran out of partners to leave cock-a-hoop Aughton celebrating their first victory of the season.

The second string entertained Halsall and batted first in a high scoring contest.

A good all round team effort enabled Rainford to reach 180-8 from their allotted overs with Ian Donnelly, moved up the order into a pinch hitting role, catching the eye with a hard hit half century.

Along the way he received excellent support from Curran and Gallagher and as always skipper John Williams dug in for a typical resolute 30.

Rainford must have felt confident in defending such a big total. However, things didn't go quite according to plan as the Halsall batsmen raced to a six-wicket victory.

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