Rainhill CC U15s 134/6 (Lawler 50*, Millar 32, Sirikonda 22; Pillay 5-2)
Euxton CC U15s 134/6 (Settle 39, Gibson 33; Millar 20-2, Sirikonda 17-1, Ram 24-1)
Rainhill Under-15s played out a pulsating tie at Victoria Terrace on Wednesday evening, holding their nerve against a strong Euxton side in what was easily one of the most gripping games of the season so far. With the visitors having done the double over Rainhill last year, the home team’s composed, competitive performance marked a clear step forward — not just in outcome, but in confidence and control.
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Rainhill got off to an ideal start. Captain Nathan Lawler and Finnlee Millar built steadily before accelerating stylishly, bringing up the 50 partnership in the eighth over. Nathan, in imperious touch, unfurled a series of crisp boundaries on his way to a sparkling unbeaten 50, while Finnlee mixed power and placement in a valuable 32, including a glorious six over mid-wicket that oozed timing and confidence. Tejas Sirikonda chipped in with a fluent 22, and although a mini-collapse followed, Alf Nulty provided a superb finishing touch. He struck two elegant cover drives in the final over, lifting Rainhill to 134-6 — a total built on foundation, flair, and a glimpse of the team’s growing depth.
The defence began with early breakthroughs — Finnlee removing both openers — and for a while, Rainhill looked in control. But Euxton’s middle order countered cleverly, particularly through their numbers three and four, who rotated the strike with calm efficiency and forced Rainhill to rethink their lines. Even so, the bowlers kept chipping away. Tejas got a deserved LBW, judged — by all accounts — absolutely stone dead.
Mattie Ambage then produced one of the moments of the match with a direct-hit run out off his own bowling — a sharp drive was lasered back at him, and with stunning reflexes, he stuck out a hand and deflected the ball straight onto the stumps, catching the non-striker short of his ground.
As Euxton edged closer, the tension mounted.
The final two overs were edge-of-the-seat stuff, then with just one needed to tie and two to win off the last ball, Rainhill’s bowlers stood tall. Calm heads, tight lines, and quick fielding sealed the stalemate — a fitting result for a game that swung wildly but never lost its competitive spirit.
There were bright performances throughout the field: Finn’s brace with the ball, Sid Ram’s key breakthrough, and some excellent work from debutant Lucas Leigh, who impressed everyone with his athleticism and quiet composure under pressure. His energy saved at least ten runs, and his attitude set the tone. Behind the stumps, Ben Shute continues to grow in confidence and skill — a proper wicketkeeper in the making.
This was a match that tested Rainhill in every department, and they came through with a draw that felt like a win. With character like this and young players stepping up week after week, this team’s trajectory is very much on the up.
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