Mossley Hill 129 All Out (Austen-Vincent 61; Millar 5-16, N Lawler 2-16)
Rainhill CC Academy 4XI 132-4 (18.5) (N Lawler 85*, Ram 35; Buckle 1-20)
Rainhill’s 4th XI — the club’s academy side — produced a commanding all-round performance on Sunday afternoon, comfortably chasing down 129 to beat Mossley Hill 3rd XI by six wickets. Led by a remarkable knock from Nathan Lawler and a senior first-ever five-wicket haul for Finnlee Millar, this was a win built on both individual brilliance and collective discipline.
Mossley Hill opted to bat first, but Rainhill’s young bowling attack wasted no time in asserting themselves. Finnlee Millar was in irresistible form, claiming 5 for 16 in a spell that showed control, variety and real maturity. He broke the top order with three quick wickets, including a sharp return catch, before returning to finish the job later in the innings. Nathan Lawler supported with two tidy wickets and Finlay Venables bowled an economical and probing ten-over spell, picking up one wicket (10-2-19-1) and tying down the scoring. April Jones, making her first appearance of the season after injury, taking 1 wicket and marking a welcome return.
There was also a proud moment for Maddie Rotheram, who made her senior debut for Rainhill. She bowled a 5 over spell with composure and focus, settling in quickly alongside more experienced teammates.
Mossley Hill’s Jack Austen-Vincent battled to a stoic 61, but Rainhill’s relentless pressure meant the home side never really built momentum, and Ayaan Maheshwari took the final wicket , and they were bowled out for 129 in the 37th over.
Rainhill’s reply began with a couple of early stumbles, but from there it became the Nathan Lawler show. Fresh off a half-century for the 2nd XI on Saturday and another unbeaten 50 for the U15s midweek, he saved his best for last. Lawler blazed his way to 85 not out off just 48 balls, striking eight fours and five sixes — three of which cleared the boundary and the trees to land on the road, narrowly missing traffic and costing the hosts two balls. It was a knock of clean power and perfect timing. He was well supported by Sid Ram, who batted with poise for a fluent 35, their partnership all but sealing the result.
The winning runs came in under 19 overs, capping off an authoritative win for Rainhill’s academy side — a team packed with youth, skill, and potential. With Finnlee’s five-wicket haul, April’s return, Fin’s consistency, and Nathan’s power hitting, the side continues to thrive in senior cricket. This is a group learning fast, playing bold, and setting a high standard for what’s to come.
The result makes it three wins from three for Rainhill’s Academy XI, securing maximum points in each outing and taking them to the top of the table.
In just their second season playing senior cricket together, this young but talented group is showing remarkable cohesion and confidence — matching experienced sides with both skill and spirit. The momentum is building, and the belief is growing with every performance.
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