RAINHILL 1st XI, last season's Merseyside Competition second division champions opened their season in the first division with a fine victory against Aigburth.

Captain Mike Rotherham won the toss and despite a good wicket for April asked the visitors to bat.

Paul Robinson, last year's star player, was immediately in action with an LBW decision after three balls and his excellent form continued as he bowled with a mixture of pace and late movement.

Wickets fell at regular intervals with Aigburth having no answer to the Rainhill attack. They were eventually all out for 57 with Robinson claiming 7-19 and young Mattie Doolan 2-11.

Rainhill's reply stuttered and wickets began to fall with alarming regularity. Opener Mike Rotherham stood firm and batted sensibly but when he fell, 30 runs were still required. It was left to Paul Robinson to provide the explosive touch with 16 off one over including two fours and a six. And although he went soon after, being adjudged LBW, Rainhill scrambled to victory, passing the visitors' total for the loss of six wickets.

The 2nd XI fixture away at Aigburth was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

This weekend Rainhill play Cheshire Lines with the 1st XI away and on Sunday they take on Clifton from the Bolton Association in the national knockout.