RAINFORD started the season with a stunning cup victory against Litherland.

Batting first on a difficult wicket, Rainford's Dalrymple and Dave Hilton set the home side on their way with a half century opening stand. Then Paul Calland treated the bumper early season crowd to a textbook 50. However, a middle order collapse put the visitors back into the match until some bold hitting at the end from Curren, Finney and Campbell took Rainford to 182.

In reply, a four-wicket haul from Finney plus tight spells from Harrison, Schofield and the impressive Gorden dismissed the visitors for just 99.

The match ball sponsor was Sir Kenneth Oxford.

The second XI recorded a fine victory at Southport Trinity. After being invited to bat Rainfordall rounder Chris Welding hammered the bowling to all parts of the ground to post a career best 72 no. He received valuable support from John Pickavance (30) and Ricky Gallagher (22) as Rainford reached a respectable 160.

When Trinity began their reply Welding blasted out the top order taking 4/18. Williams introduced veteran Gallagher who kept things tight at one end while young medium pace prospects Haygarth and Fogarty ultimately seated Trinity's fate.

On Sunday, Rainford faced Manchester side Prestwich in the Abbott Ale Cup. Tight bowling fromseamers Schofield and Corden had the Mancunians in all sorts of trouble at 52/2 from 18 overs before the rain saved them from further embarrassment.

Match ball sponsor was Central Garage.

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