RAINFORD'S victory surge was thwarted by the weather in the Beesley and Fildes sponsored home clash against Tarleton.

The visitors chalked up 176-8 against the Rainford attack for whom Harrison (2-33) and Curran (2-36) were the main wicke- takers.

The reply had survived the early dismissals of Cook and Calland as Rainford reached 51-2 before the heavens opened with Tully and Robinson the not out batsmen.

After a one-hour delay the game re-started with the home side still needing 126 from 11 overs to record an improbable victory.

The fact that Rainford were able to come within 12 runs of maximum points bares testimony to the strength of their batting and in particular the sheer class of Australian Andy Robinson. His unbeaten 91, including 25 from one over, was said by many to be one of the best innings ever seen at the Jubilee Recreation Ground and cements his status as one of the league's top batsmen.

This weekend face Litherland in the league and Croston in the Sandhurst Shield final on Sunday.

The seconds were on the wrong end of a sound thrashing at Winstanley Park and find themselves being dragged in to the relegation dogfight.

Rainford never recovered from being 35-6 and only the stout efforts of Pendleton (25), Vincent (15) and Haygarth brought any respectability as the innings closed on 95.

Unfortunately for skipper Welding the bowling was of equally poor fare as Park ran out easy 10-wicket winners.