RAINFORD'S season of woe continued on Saturday as both senior sides crashed to defeat against Croston.

Batting first, the 1st team could only muster 105 with 32 of these coming in extras. Dom Carter (25) and John Williams Jnr (14) were the only batsmen of note.

The Rainford attack then attempted to pull off a memorable victory but with the Croston batsmen in fine form, following recent victories, the efforts of Curran, Connelly, Harrison and Williams Jnr were all in vain as the visitors raced to a five-wicket success.

Match sponsor was Dr Richard Charles.

The seconds fared no better away at Croston. With a patched-up team due to severe injury problems, John Williams' side could only reach 54 with Cordon (20 n.o.), Andrew Harrison (11) and Whitehead (10) the only batsmen to reach double figures.

The home side was held up slightly in their quest for victory as Mark Smith set the standard in the field. Cordon's 3-17 also temporarily delayed the inevitable but with such a low score to chase Croston raced to a seven-wicket win.

The firsts bounced back on Sunday with a 60-run victory over New Victoria in the Sandhurst Shield.

The holders racked up 264-7 with Andrew Robinson top-scoring with a chanceless 106. Hilton (66 n.o.), Dalrymple (34) and Godwin (16) also made useful contributions to the total.

Robinson then capped a fine all-round performance taking 3-32 as he and Mark Williams (3-30), Harrison (2-44), Dalrymple and Lambert combined to restrict the visitors to 203.

Match sponsor was Gordon Griffiths.