RAINFORD CC played host to table-toppers Norley Hall and suffered a rare defeat against their Wigan opponents.

Skipper Robinson gave the home side hope early on, but the batting never really got going until Dave Tulley finally got to grips with the bowling. His 54 made up the bulk of the Rainford 130 total.

Things did not improve for Andrew Robinson's side as Norley made easy work of the target, finally going in for the loss of only two wickets.

Match sponsor was Arthur Dagnall Car Sales.

There was a much better performance on Sunday, but still the same result as Rainford hosted Atherton in the Lancashire knockout.

A score of 312 against a solid home attack paid tribute to the Bolton league table toppers, but Robinson's 71 and valuable contributions from Tulley, Harrison and Carter took Rainford to 198.

Match sponsor Sysco Management.

The second team seemed to have turned the corner after a poor start to the season as Phil Schofield's side held all the aces in the visit to Norley Hall.

A score of 174-8 was largely due to good knocks from Carter, Welding, Maddison and Williams.

Wickets from Schofield, Murgatroyd, Welding and Ford and a run-out from Andrew Pickavance had Norley teetering at 130-9 at the close but the final wicket remained intact as the match ended in a draw.