RAINFORD Cricket Club XI continued their excellent start to the season with a hard fought victory over Aughton.

Invited to bat, Rainford amassed 247-5 from their 50 overs.

Openers Anthony Poynton and Mike Cook set Rainford on their way with a 70 run partnership before the former was dismissed for a stylish 38.

Unfortunately for Aughton, this only brought Troy Martyn to the crease and the Aussie proceeded to dismantle the bowling with a succession of high class shots to register an unbeaten 87.

After Cook had departed for 43, Martyn was ably supported by Harrison and Dalrymple with Harrison in partucular seemingly relishing his new role as the middle order heavyweight.

In reply, Aughton decided that the best form of defence was attack. Opening bowler Schofields breakthrough seemed a distant memory as Aughtons batsmen threatened a shock victory. However, Ste Harrison had other ideas, the chunky all rounder sending back four batsmen in quick succession to set up a thrilling finish.

Poynton then got into the act taking two wickets but it was left to that man Martyn to mop up the tail and dismiss Aughton for 199 with just eight balls remaining. Match ball sponsor was Nat West PLC.

For the second week running Rainford's 2nd XI slipped to defeat in the final over, this time away to Halsall.

Batting first, Rainford totalled 155/8 as Dave Hilton once again backboned the innings with a patient 45. Hilton received excellent support from Gallagher with an unbeaten 38 and the fleet footed Paul Carter whose running between the wickets was a joy to watch.

In reply, Rainford made Halsall battle all the way for their victory. Dave Harrison celebrated his return by taking 4 for 60 in a long spell of high class pace bowling and the four run outs bore testimony to some excellent fielding.

The final over saw Rainford needing just one wicket and Halsall just one run for victory.

However, the result went the way of Halsall.

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