RAINFORD Cricket Club bounced back from the previous week's poor performance with a much improved effort against Wigan rivals Norley Hall.

Batting first, Rainford did well to reach 150-8.

Mike Cook anchored the innings with a resolute 48, receiving good support along the way from Campbell, Welding and Brookes, who once again played sensibly at the end for his 27 not out.

In reply, Norley Hall were reduced to 70-3 before the rain brought a premature end to proceedings. However this represented an excellent fightback from Rainford after the Wiganners had rattled up 50 without loss. Skipper Phil Schofield will be looking for this type of effort more often, starting with next weeks crucial match at home to Maghull.

The weather denied the second team a much needed win away at Tarleton. Having dismissed the home side for just 90, Phil Curran claiming 4/25, Rainford were 20/2 in reply when the heavens opened and the game was abandoned.

The seconds fared much better on Sunday in the quarter final of the Pochin Cup against St Phillips. The Southport side could only muster 142 from their allotted 40 overs against some quality bowling and fielding, with Phil Curran again leading the way taking four wickets ably assisted by Hilton and Gallagher.

In reply, Rainford got off to a sluggish start in their quest for a semi final spot. However, after the dismissal of skipper Williams the run chase started in earnest with Pickavance leading the way with a classy unbeaten 70, superbly supported by Hilton and the emerging Curran, enabling Rainford to run out easy winners with several overs to spare.

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