RAINHILL had to settle for a share of the spoils against Wirral at Victoria Terrace in yet another rain affected match.

Captain Paul Ford won the toss and asked the visitors to bat on a green damp wicket. The wicket played surprisingly well but scoring was difficult with a wet outfield.

Nick Chapman, with two wickets, reduced Wirral to 21-2 but the visitors moved the score along slowly before a run out at 47 secured the third wicket.

The total passed the 100 mark as Rainhill struggled for wickets.

Dave Birkett gained the fourth wicket at 111 before a break for rain halted proceedings.

On the resumption Wirral moved the score along briskly to 150 before Birkett gained his second wicket and Dave Bolton brought the declaration with two wickets in five balls.

Two fine catches for Luke Sparkes were the highlight of the fielding. Wirral closed on 158-7.

Best of the Rainhill bowlers were Nick Chapman (2-37), Dave Birkett (2-36) and Dave Bolton (2-59).

Rainhill openers Peter Mercer and Paul Ford moved the score to 15-0 before heavy rain caused the abandonment of the match.

Rainhill seconds match at Wirral was cancelled with no ball being bowled.

This weekend Rainhill play St Marys College Old Boys with the first team away.

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