Rainford winning plaudits and matches

May 12 2008 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

RAINFORD are proving the surprise package of the Competition’s First Division.

Their performance in overhauling Liverpool’s 253-9 declared in just 46.2 overs to win by six wickets must rate as one of the best batting displays of the season so far.

Pravin Tambe proved their hero, taking 5-83 and then hitting an unbeaten 97. He shared an unbroken stand of 146 for the fifth wicket with teenager Tom Meredith (49), while Michael Rimmer chipped in with 47.

Liverpool must have been pleased with their batting effort as they amassed 196 for the third wicket.

Skelmersdale’s Hemal Watekar played a key role to help his club move away from the bottom following victory over Highfield.

The Indian cracked 108 in a home total of 206. The visitors could muster only 167.

Northop Hall came a cropper at the hands of Sefton Park. The Welsh side totalled 197-6 declared. Sefton were equal to it to win by four wickets.

Huyton suffered their fifth defeat on the trot, skittled for 49 and losing by 10 wickets against Wavertree.

Wigan secured a third win at the expense of Ainsdale to go fourth. They reached 189 and dismissed their rivals for 167.

Leigh easily beat lowly St Helens. Home captain Dave Dove scored an unbeaten 55 out of 182-9 declared.

But the visitors fell to Roussak (4-22) and Jaffar Nair (3-25) for 101.

Richard Smith’s fine century (102) and skipper Chris Riley (60) put Orrell Red Triangle on course for 275-4 declared (57) at Newton-le-Willows after electing to bat. But the home side responded with 226-6.