POOR batting cost Rainhill victory when they faced Welsh opposition for the second week running in the shape of Prestatyn.

A depleted Rainhill team elected to bat first and the low bounce saw them stutter to 7-2. However, worse was to follow as they stumbled to 26-5.

Only Peter Mercer with 24 and a brave 20 from Andy Birkett gave the Rainhill score a hint of respectability as they were all out for 69.

Prestatyn replied with 25 before Paul Ford (jnr) bowled Taylor their prolific scoring opening batsmen. Nick Chapman quickly gained the second and at 26-2 Rainhill had hopes.

Chapman and Mattie Dale with his first ball reduced the home side further to 46-4 but with no more losses they secured victory at 70-4.

Best of the Rainhill bowling Nick Chapman 2-31, Mattie Dale 1-17 and Paul Ford 1-18.

Rainhill 2nd XI had a welcome victory at home to Prestatyn. They bowled the visitors out for 140 with Robbie Marshall taking 4-32 and in reply scoring 14-8, Robbie Marshall again playing the major role with an excellent 81.

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