success in the Seventies (1971-1979)
In 1971 the first team, captained by Frank Davies, were Merseyside Cricket Association League Champions. The team was photographed in 1972 with the MCA League Champions pennant.
The second team (pictured, below, in 1974) also continued to make progress under the leadership of captain Jack Williams. Williams was a major character at the club and was team captain for several years (both for the second team and, later, the first) in addition to preparing the wicket for a long period. Unfortunately, the lack of records means that many of his playing achievements cannot be outlined.
In 1975, Dennis Cowley – a long-standing supporter of the club and captain of the second team for many seasons – scored 133 not out for the second team in a home draw. The 1975 second team is pictured below.
In 1976, under the captaincy of George Hubbard, the first team were Cheshire Association League Champions. They repeated this success in 1977, when they were also Aggregate Cup winners – a competition for first and second teams. (The successful 1st and 2nd teams of 1977 are pictured below). In the same year Peter Mercer finished top of the Cheshire Association League batting averages with over 500 runs and a top score of 120 not out.
The Cheshire Association Winners Shield remains on display in the clubhouse.
Following Cheshire League success, Rainhill Cricket Club joined the Merseyside Competition in 1978. The 1978 team is pictured below.
In 1979 the ground was used to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Rainhill locomotive trials. Seating was provided at the top of the ground to watch historic trains passing on the railway line and a gala took place on the main playing area.