RAINFORD snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Burscough on Saturday.

And although they dominated from start to finish, it severely dented their title hopes.

Batting first, Rainford openers Dalrymple and Harrison made a predictably brisk start before Dalrymple departed for 22.

Calland followed soon after. But then Robinson joined his skipper at the crease and the pair started to turn the game Rainford's way. Harrison's 50 duly arrived before he was given out LBW as he danced down the wicket attempting another big hit.

The middle order came and went with little addition to the score and it was left to Robinson to steer Rainford to the declaration on 177 as he finished unbeaten on 59. The home side's bowlers then went to work as Schofield and Donnelly shattered the Burscough top order to leave them in disarray at 30-5. But the visitors' middle order of Disley, Fairclough and Taylor had other ideas as any thoughts of a comfortable Rainford victory were left in tatters as Burscough fought back to take control.

Not even Schofield's return and a two-wicket burst from Harrison could stop the Burscough recording a one-wicket win with nine balls to spare.

Match ball sponsor was SHA Associates.

The second eleven recorded a much-needed win at Winstanley Park.

Rainford openers Williams and Maddison put together yet another century opening partnership as they continue to roll back the clock. Maddison was first to got for 49 but Williams pressed on scoring a highly entertaining 64 and with wickets in the shed it was left to big hitters Pickavance, Fogarty and Welding to advance Rainford to 186-7.

Park then had the misfortune to come up against Rainford's latest comeback kid Keith Haskayne. Like a bad penny the former first team all rounder refuses to go away as he tore into the home side batsmen with five wickets and supported by Harrison who took three more the home side were dismissed for 170.

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