A GOOD weekend for Rainford saw them open up a 28 point gap at the top of the Southport & District League as they eased past Dalton by six-wickets while closest rivals Norley Hall could only manage a draw against Eccleston.

On a dubious Dalton track, Dave Tully had no hesitation in asking the home side to bat and then unleashing his venomous opening pair Phil Battersby and Graeme Barry.

The two new recruits have been a revelation both on and off the field this season and this was no exception as Barry (4/29) and Battersby (2/21) decimated the fragile Dalton top order.

Murtu Lodghar then joined the party and his majestic 4/6, including a hat trick, left Dalton floundering on just 65.

The reply was short and sweet as Rainford threw the kitchen sink at the Dalton attack under darkening skies. Murtu (20), Tully (16) and Harrison (10) all perished as they cruised to victory. Thoughts now turn to next weeks title decider as Rainford entertain Norley in a potential classic.

With six players representing St Helens in the U15s final at Old Trafford, John Pickavance's youth policy went out of the window as the second team played hosts to fourth place Dalton.

After being asked to bat Dalton were under pressure for the entire afternoon as Corden (4/34) and Haskayne (4/55) bowled unchanged as they could only muster a meagre 97 from their 50 overs.

In reply Rainford cruised to an eight-wicket success as Maddo (55no), Whitehead (20) and the prodigal son Mike Cook (13no) proved there is no substitute for experience.

Match sponsor was Beesley and Fildes.