RAINFORD were involved in yet another close encounter when they visited league leaders Orrell.

Sound contributions from the early order of Cook, Martyn and Poynton were bolstered by a typically quickfire 61 from Steve Harrison.

The Rainford innings closed on 209 for 9 and Orrell's Tickle and Yates lost no time compiling a century opening stand.

However, the Orrell run chase was checked by accurate bowling supported by excellent fielding and the Red Triangle outfit were left requiring three runs off the last ball, with seven wickets down.

Rainford went down to an all-run three but came away with 13 valuable points and a place solidly in mid table.

The second team had a week-end to savour.

At home on Saturday to old rivals West End, only a courageous 41 from skipper John Williams and a rapid 24 from Ian Donnelly featured in a seemingly low total of 127 all out.

The Southport outfit set about the total with gusto, reaching 72 for 2.

The new found spirit all around the Rainford club at the moment took over, and Keith Haskayne 3 for 6 and Tony Ford 4 for 24 supported by Ricky Gallagher 2 for 12 demolished West End for 122.

On Sunday in the Pochin Cup the second team won at Leyland.

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