RAINHILL experienced mixed fortunes at the weekend having to settle for a draw against Sutton on Saturday.

After losing the toss Rainhill amassed 190 for 6 declared in 49 overs.

Jimmy Titmuss (66) and Rehan Rafique (47) were the star performers with the bat, making an opening partnership of 120 for the first wicket.

The introduction of Anders seemed to change this when he took three quick wickets and pegged Rainhill back, Ford with 31 not out enabled Rainhill to declare on 190-6 off 48 overs.

Sutton couldn't reach the victory target but never looked in any danger as Gavin and Tamhane put on a 90 partnership.

Tamhane needed four off the last ball to reach three figures.

As Titmus ran in to bowl Tamhane carted the ball back past him for four to bring up his hundred to the delight of the beer garden. Sutton finished on 161-6 as the game finished in a draw.

On Sunday, Rainhill played against Ainsdale in the Kaufman Cup. Buoyed by their recent victory over their main rivals, Rainhill produced their best performance of the season. Batting first, Rainhill scored 189 in 44.4 overs.

Peter Mercer batted well scoring 37, which included a monster six. Skipper Mike Rotheram also returned to form, and anchored the innings well, scoring 72 off 84 balls.

In reply, Ainsdale made steady progress, although wickets fell at regular intervals.

Steve Jordan bowled an excellent opening spell of 9 overs, 1 for 29.

At the 25 over mark, Ainsdale needed 5.5 per over as Rafique (9 overs, 2 for 26) and Massey (9 overs, 2 for 35) pegged the run rate back to 7 an over.

In an exciting finish, Ainsdale needed 19 to win off the last over, as Titmuss kept his cool and took the remaining Ainsdale wicket. Ainsdale finished 173 all out.

This week, Rainhill play Southport Trinity in what is a must win game.

The 2nd XI bowled 57 overs as Hale 1st XI amassed 203/8 dec. (P. Sharp 117 not out, Liam Pearson 3/38, Michael Johnes 3/75). With only 37 overs possible Rainhill ended on 183/3 (Paul Bathgate 59, Victor Da Silva 40 not out).

On Saturday, the Third XI lost by 7 wickets to Prescot & Odyssey despite scoring 148/7 (Phil Kelly 47 not out).

The best of the Rainhill bowling was by Adam Lindsay 2/11 and Ian Morris 1/15

On Sunday the Third XI progressed to the Semi-Final of the Phill Daniels Cup at the expense of Wavertree IV's.

Dominic Fagan took four wickets while Steve Tilley and Andrew Birkett both scored fifties to ensure a 7 wicket victory.

The Sunday XI saw Chorlton Wayfarers reach 214/5 dec (J. Cairns a hard hitting 55).

Victor Da Silva took 3/55 in 11 overs.

In reply Rainhill almost batted out for a draw (Mark Candeland 37 and Dennis Cowley 31 not out), the last wicket falling 3 overs from time.

Sutton's second XI travelled to Cheshire Lines and they were invited to bat. Sutton lost an early wicket but Yates and Frost guided Sutton past 50.

Frost was out for 13. Sutton collapsed, only Yates making any noticeable contribution with 27 until Dodd with 25 not out guided Sutton to 150-9 declared after 50 overs.

Sutton bowled well early on with Dodd and Iken taking early wickets. Cheshire Lines were reeling on 14-4.

They made a mini revival but Iken was the main destroyer with figures of 12-5-7-5.

Cheshire Lines were all out for 92 with Sutton recording their first win of the season.