RAINFORD Cricket Club's fine early season form continued on Saturday as both senior sides recorded comfortable victories in their cup competitions.

The first team won the toss at Aughton and invited the home side to bat. Against a Rainford team playing some of its best cricket for years, the homesters could only muster 107-9. Skipper Ste Harrison led the way for Rainford, his nine-over spell ending with figures of 5-19. There were also impressive contributions from Corden, Eaton and Curran.

In reply, the visitors cruised home inside 30 overs with seven wickets to spare. Dalrymple continued to defy the purists with a brutal 39, while veteran Fred Howard chipped in with a valuable 25. However, victory was eventually sealed by Calland and Robinson, two batsmen expected to make a big impact over the coming weeks.

The 2nd XI played host to Croston and took first use of a good batting wicket to compile 180 with a top-score 71 by Sebastian and a cultured 31 from skipper Pickavance.

In reply, the visitors were soon in trouble as Donnelly tore into the top order while at other end Frodsham continued to defy his age with a typically enconomical spell. Donnelly ended with 4-14 with burly seamer Harrison also bowling well to return 3-15 as Croston were dismissed for 150.

Match ball sponsors were Craig Associates.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.