RAINHILL have made a stuttering start to the season.

In the Millennium Cup at Vauxhall Eastham BromboroughDominic Sparkes (31) and Peter Mercer (35) made a valiant partnership of 67 for the third wicket in Rainhill's reply to the home side's 135-6 off 40 overs.

But Rainhill lost by one single run in the final over.

In the same competition at home to Old Xaverians the visiting side were put into bat by Rainhillamade a modest total of 114 all out off 40 overs. This was due some excellent bowling from Rainhill with Chris Swift taking 2-17, Captain Mike Rotheram 2-35 and Chris Wilson 2-8. Rainhillmade in roads in no time at all with scores of 29 from Matt Dale and a very solid 23 from Peter Mercer to seal a six-wicket victory.

The seconds made a short trip to Old Xaverians where there was a long break for rain but the home side cantered to 171 all out from 37.1 overs.

The youngsters made their mark by taking seven wickets between them. Mark Ford returning 1-32, Connor Morris 3-24 and Colin Gannon 3-15. Ken Bold was in the wars in getting hit on the chin by the ball with a nasty bounce, but thankfully he recovered in time to compile a top score of 30 in one and a half hours. Dave Hawkins kept the score going with 20 but the collapse came and Rainhill were 98- 9 off 40 overs.