RAINFORD Cricket Club had a weekend to forget as both senior sides suffered defeats at the hand of their Southport Trinity counterparts.

Trinity took first knock in the First XI fixture, got away to a brisk start, but were then pegged back by the accurate bowling of Donnelly and Schofield, whose two wicket burst was just reward for his efforts as the visitors began to struggle.

Change bowlers Harrison and Curran then started to turn the screws and with wickets falling at regular intervals Rainford looked to be on top at 112-7. The Rainford pair both finished with three wickets apiece but Trinity somehow managed to scramble 63 from the final 10 overs to finish on 175-8.

Rainford made a solid reply with Cook and Dalrymple calling the shots. Dalrymple's demise brought Howard to the crease who stroked the ball around and was unfortunate to get a ball that kept low as he fell for 18. Rainford though were well set at 80-2 with Cook still there and young Aussie Robinson displaying a full range of strokes looking solid.

However, a glut of wickets as the game went into its final hour left the home side hanging on for a draw and when Corden was caught at the wicket with just nine balls remaining the Rainford collapse was complete as they were all out for 129.

Match ball sponsor was Central Garage.

The Second XI made the opposite trip and were asked to bat.

Maddison showed the value of having an old head at the top of the order, his 25 setting Rainford on their way while skipper Pickavance once again put the long handle to a good use scoring a cultured 53. Welding also continues to contribute runs but his 21 were the only other meaningful total as the Rainford innings closed on 133.

Trinity were made to fight all the way. Harrison gave nothing away from his 18 overs and collected two wickets while Ford and Welding also bowled well but the lack of a big total to defend meant the home side were able to run out four wicket winners.

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