RAINFORD played hosts to third placed Parkfield (Wallasey) and totally outplayed the visitors to record a very impressive eight-wicket win, Murtu Lodhgar taking the individual honours backed up by an excellent team effort with bat, ball and in the field.

The afternoon had started well for Parkfield as Naffees (65) eased them to a commanding 101/2 in only 15 overs before a Murtu led fight-back saw six-wickets fall for the addition of only 12 more runs. Despite some late resistance from the visitors they finally succumbed for 182 with Murtu taking 7/58.

Rainford opener Meredith (37) led the reply but his dismissal and that of fellow opener Williams left the home side on 52/2 with new batsmen Murtu and Richard Eaton at the crease. Eaton played the support role and finished unbeaten on 35 but Murtu displayed every shot in the book to cash in with a superb 103 and put Rainford's title challenge back on the rails.

Match sponsor was Arthur Dagnall Car Sales.

The seconds had it pretty much their own way as they took a very strong side to the Southport stronghold of Banks.

The home side could only muster 106 as Murgatroyd responded to his shock first-team demotion with 6/36 and old war-horse Haskayne weighed in with 4/24.

Dalrymple (48no) then proceeded to silence his critics as he and returning starlet Graham Green (40) led Rainford to an eight-wicket win.