THE opening match of the season saw Rainford claim a four-wicket victory over Skelmersdale in the Sandhurst Shield.

The visitors elected to bat but were immediately pegged back by Rainford's opening bowlers Harrison and Corden with Curren chipping in a miserly spell for good measure.

However, Schofield turned the game on its head with a stunning nine over spell of 4-8. Batsman came and went as the home side piled on the pressure.

Debut paceman Fogarty wasparticularly impressive at the end and it was all Skem could do to muster 139-8 from their overs despite some bold hitting at the end from ex-Rainford stumper Donnelly.

In reply the home side tore into the visitors' attack from ball one, Dalrymple taking no prisoners as usual while Cook was always there in support.

Calland and Hilton also contributed vital runs in Rainford's quest for victory while young Aussie recruit Robinson displayed a full range of scoring shots before his unlucky dismissal. All that was left was for Hope and Curran to seal victory with some clubbing blows as Rainford ran out worthy winners.

The match ball sponsor was J E Cook (Butchers).

The second XI made the opposite trip and played their part in a hard fought contest. The home side took first use of a damp wicket and made 150 from their allotted overs. Rainford's bowlers all contributed but Tony Ford impressed most taking two wickets in a tidy spell.

The Rainford reply stuttered early on as Williams went cheaply. However, skipper Pickavance steadied the ship and with the help of Maddison and Welding started to turn the game the visitors' way. Pickavance eventually reached 71 not out but the innings was timed out at 7.45pm with the home side winning on faster run rate.

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