RAINHILL held on for a draw in their vital encounter with champions Caldy at Victoria Terrace on Saturday.

After a delay due to rain, Caldy were invited to bat.

And the opening pair completely dominated the Rainhill bowling, with the innings closing at 165-1. Pick of the Rainhill bowlers was Dave Marshall (1-23).

In reply, Rainhill made a dreadful start, falling to 6-2 and then 21-3. Marshall briefly raised Rainhill hopes with 20 and a good partnership between Mercer and Mattie Clifford put on 39.

Clifford's fighting innings of 32 came to an end at 104-6, with Caldy in the driving seat.

A quickfire partnership between Nick Chapman and Dave Birkett gave Rainhill renewed hope, but, crucially Chapman was out for a flowing 32 at 141-7.

Dave Birkett continued to nudge the score along, but the loss of two further wickets left Rainhill needing 14 off the last over.

Birkett (19 not out) blocked it out and Rainhill closed on 153-9. Rainhill seconds were comprehensively beaten by Caldy.

This weekend Rainhill play Buckley and Irby.

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