Whitefield 3rd XI 222/6 dec (M Iqbal 51, Yousaf 40*; Strettle 2-19, J Tyms 2-34)
Rainhill Academy XI 177 All Out (Foulkes 63*, D Tyms 61 ; Mohammed 6-42)
Rainhill CC’s 4th XI put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell short in their league match against Whitefield (Roby) CC’s 3rd XI. After winning the toss and electing to field, Rainhill’s bowlers faced a challenging task as Whitefield’s batters made the most of their opportunities, posting a total of 222-6 declared in 37.2 overs.
Rainhill’s bowlers had moments of success, with Jack Tyms and Lucy Strettle each claiming two wickets, while Matt Lawler and April Jones also chipped in with one apiece. However, Rainhill’s fielding was a mixed bag; despite four dropped catches, their overall effort in the field was commendable, displaying agility and determination.
Chasing 223 to win, Rainhill’s innings was anchored by a standout performance from opener Freddie Foulkes. Foulkes showcased immense maturity and skill, compiling his maiden fifty, an unbeaten 63 off 105 balls, which included 10 boundaries. His gritty knock was a significant highlight for Rainhill in an otherwise challenging day with the bat.
Unfortunately, Rainhill struggled to build partnerships around Foulkes, with only Darren Tyms making a substantial contribution, scoring a brisk 61 from 57 balls. The pair’s efforts kept Rainhill in the hunt, but regular wickets at the other end hampered the chase. Imran Mohammed was the chief destroyer for Whitefield, taking six wickets for 42 runs, while Suleman Akhtar added three crucial scalps to ensure Rainhill fell short by 52 runs, eventually being bowled out for 170 in 36.2 overs.
Despite the loss, Rainhill’s young players showed promise, and Foulkes’ maiden fifty was a particularly bright spot in an otherwise tough match. The team will look to build on these positives in their upcoming fixtures.