RAINHILL'S frustrating quest for a first league victory took another twist at Cheshire Lines.

The home side batted first on the wet wicket and opening bowler Nick Chapman and Paul Ford (jnr) reduced them to 17-2.

As conditions eased Cheshire Lines moved the score into the 70s.

The introduction of Dave Birkett into the attack completely changed the game as he claimed five wickets with excellent swing bowling.

David Bolton chipped in with a wicket in between Birketts haul to leave Cheshire Lines on 79-8 - six wickets falling for eight runs.

Once again Rainhill struggled to press home the advantage as the tail wagged Nick Chapman claimed his second wicket on 101 and Mattie Dale took the last wicket on 116.

Best of the Rainhill bowling - Dave Birkett 5-32, Nick Chapman 2-37, Paul Ford (jnr) 1-15 and Dave Bolton 1-24.

Rainhill in reply made the worst possible start with both openers failing to score. Things got worse at 30-4, then Dominic Sparkes (28) took the score to 68-5 before being caught. Good batting by Stephen Oakes (28) progressed the total to 81 before he was caught at mid on.

Further wickets fell to leave Rainhill teetering on 98-9. A brave last wicket partnership between the Rainhill captain Paul Ford and Dave Birkett moved the score to 114.

Cruelly for Rainhill a blistering cover drive by Birkett was excellently fielded and a couple of balls later Ford (16) was bowled trying to hit the winning runs. Rainhill all out for 114.

Rainhill 2nd XI lost at home to Cheshire Lines. Batting first Mattie Carroll 53 and Chris Swift 36 posted a respectable 157-7. However the visitors closed on 158-4.

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