RAINFORD First XI maintained their position in the Southport and district league top three when they totally dominated Wigan rivals Norley Hall.

On a wet afternoon and after a delay and a surprise invitation to bat, they suffered the early loss of Cook and the possible longer term loss of newly returned opener Fred Howard with a severe finger injury.

Paul Calland and Andrew Robinson then produced one of the batting displays of the season sharing a stand of 207 before the young Aussie's tiring week in the Lake District caught up with him and he was caught in the deep on 88. Calland batted majestically through to a chanceless 125 not out, and Rainford declared on 235-2.

Because of the delayed start, the Rainford men faced a tough task to claim maximum points with only Gary Hughes (51) offering any real resistance, wickets fell steadily. Calland picked up where he had left off in the first half taking four for 64 off 16 overs. But despite his performance and skipper Steve Harrisons attempts to dislodge the Norley Hall tail, the Wigan side held out for a draw on 143-8. A massive weekend is in prospect for the Rainford First XI. On Saturday they travel to Highfield, joint leaders following their demolition of Mawdesley last Saturday, with just five games to got this is a crucial game for Rainford's title hopes.

On Sunday the First XI, for the first time in the clubs history are in the final of the Sandhurst Shield against Eccleston at Burscough.

The Second XI returned to winning form with the 'Rosie and Jim' show against Halsall Second XI at the Jubilee Recreation Ground on Saturday. Halsall had the better of the first half when Rainford batted first losing two early wickets. After John Williams was dislodged for a patient 37 and with the score at 57 for 3, Rosie and Jim took over.

Bob Rose (49) and Jim Warbrick (41) products of the Rainford youth programme shared a stand of 88 to boost the Rainford total, which with some lusty blows from Pickavance and Fogarty finished on 187-7. In reply Halsall were simply blown away by a devastating blast from the ever youthful Jack Ford who took 5 for 21. Dave Harrison chipped in with three wickets and Glen Sebastian moves closer to all rounder status with 2-19. Match sponsor: Haircraft.

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