RAINFORD Cricket Club' suffered their heaviest defeat of the season at Croston on Saturday.

For the first time this campaign Phil Schofield won the toss and invited the opposition to bat.

From that moment on however, Rainford's afternoon went downhill.

Croston's batsmen rattled up 176-6 declared, despite a fine return of 4-40 from in-form all-rounder Ste Harrison. Several interruptions for rain not only left Rainford with very little time to score the required runs it also added extra life to the wicket which was brilliantly exploited by Croston pace ace Marsh who ripped through Rainford's batting as they crumbled to 81 all out, with only Harrison offering any resistance with the bat.

The second team entertained Maghull and did well to restrict the freescoring Liverpudlians to 175-8.

The pick of Rainford's bowlers were Donnelly and Welding who grabbed three wickets apiece.

Once again, though, the interruptions for rain left Rainford with little time to attack the target. The fact that they easily reached a more than respectable 130-2 was once again largely due to skipper John Williams who batted right through for 61 but the large crowd couldn't help feeling that with a slightly more positive approach Rainford could have taken maximum points.

Ian Harrison's Sunday XI maintained their fine form of late with an impressive victory over close rivals Rainhill. Excellent batting from Cook, Sebastian, Fogerty and in particular Matt Brookes took Rainford to 208 from their allotted 35 overs.

In reply, Rainhill struggled to reach 123 against eleven players who bowled and fielded superbly, with wicket keeper Tony Collins again nudging the first team selectors with his work behind the wood.

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