RAINFORD had another mixed weekend as they looked to kick-start their 2001 title challenge with a win at Skelmersdale and things looked good at half way after they dismissed their hosts for 167.
Chief wicket taker was once again Ste Harrison whose four victims coupled with good contributions from Curran and Welding gave them a fighting chance against their near neighbours.
The response had reached 40/4 when Harrison and Welding came together at the crease and the two all-rounders set about the Skem attack with some purpose. Harrison made 47 and Welding 31 and with Curran chipping in 20 for good measure the result looked on. But the wickets kept falling at the wrong time and Rainford finally fell for 143.
On Monday the firsts put up a much better display at Mawdesley. A return to form for all the top order saw Robinson (65), Tulley (48), Hilton (31 no) and Harrison (83 no) fire Rainford to an impressive 235/4 declared in just 45 overs.
Phil Curran's three wicket salvo helped reduce Mawdesley to 40/4 but the visitors failed to turn the screws and it wasn't until Harrison's introduction and his subsequent 3/14 that the heat was put on the hosts but they held out on 150/7.
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