RAINHILL were defeated by Welsh title challengers St Asaph.

Rainhill were inserted to bat and soon found themselves in trouble as the Australian Professional Schlimer clean bowled the home sides opener at 4-1.

At 5-2 Peter Mercer and Mike Rotherham batted solidly against the visitors attack which was getting consistent movement off the seam.

Rotherham went for a battling 14 and three further wickets fell quickly to leave Rainhill at 49-6.

Mercer was eventually caught at midwicket for a stubborn 31 at 59-8.

The Rainhill tail wagged briefly before being all out for 77 Mattie Dale 4 not out.

With such a disappointing total Rainhill made a spirited attempt to gain early wickets.

Nick Chapman bowling with pace and accuracy gained the first wicket at 9-1.

St Asaph then attacked the Rainhill bowling taking the score to 36 before Chapman captured the prize wicket of professional Schlimer courtesy of Paul Ford's second catch behind the stumps.

Chapman took two further wickets to leave the visitors 48-4 and looking decidedly shaky.

Dave Birkett with an LBW decision at 61-5 added further pressure but Williams with 41 not out saw St Asaph to victory at 78-5.

Nick Chapman was the pick of the Rainhill bowling with 4-35. Dave Birkett 1-18.

Rainhill seconds drew at St Asaph.

The home side posted 187-4 and in reply Rainhill scored 151-8.

Steve Toghill hit a superb 86 not out and received good support from Peter Swift 19.

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