Rainford Cricket Club 1st team return to form with win over Ainsdale Cricket Club

Jun 18 2009 by Our Correspondent, Ormskirk Advertiser

RAINFORD returned to form with a sparkling winning weekend, grittily overcoming Ainsdale in the league on Saturday and then recording a sensational 199 run victory over Premiership side Southport and Birkdale on Sunday in the Business Assistance Cup.

The much needed win at Ainsdale came after Steve Murgatroyd (4-35) and Pravin Tambe (4-30) had combined to dismiss the seaside outfit for 134.

As too often this season the Rainford reply initially faltered with the first four batsmen being dismissed for 27. However a 43 run partnership between John R Williams (21) and Tambe put the Rainford innings back on track before skipper Mark Williams (27 not out) joined Tambe (58 not out) to produce a 64 run match winning partnership and a four wicket win.

Sunday saw lots of sunshine and lots and lots of runs at the Jubilee Recreation Ground as Rainford recorded a crushing win over Southport and Birkdale. Pravin Tambe hit a magnificent 170, including nine sixes and 17 fours as Rainford, amassed 314-5 off 45 overs.

Tony Filson plundered the sandgrounders attack hitting 75 in a 4th wicket stand of 227 with Tambe.

The visitors were never in the hunt and were dismissed for 115 as crafty Chris Spencer spun Rainford to a comprehensive victory taking 5 wickets for just 18 runs.

Andy Pickavance nipped in with 2-25.

On Saturday the second XI had a comfortable eight wicket win over Huyton dismissing the Knowsley outfit for just 83.

Phil Battersby did the damage with 5 for 19 with Phil Corden taking 3-40. Youngsters Matthew Bailey (33) and David Christian (20 not out) made sure the target was reached with a minimum of fuss.