Rainhill CC 222-7 dec (Lawler 105*, Robinson 55; Wigglesworth 3-41)
Norley Hall CC 122 All Out (Andrew-Highdale 31; Tyms 4-11, Pennington 2-21)
Under a bright sky at City Road, Rainhill 2nd XI took to the field with purpose, buoyed by a strong start to the season that had seen them win four of their opening five matches. Sitting at the top of the league table, they approached the day with focus, determined to keep building on the momentum they’d quietly gathered. Nathan Lawler, fresh from unbeaten scores for both the 2nd XI and Academy sides, carried his bat and his momentum. Neil Robinson, too, stepped in from a solid knock with the 3rds, and together they helped script a commanding Rainhill display that brimmed with character, resilience, and moments of magic.
Inserted to bat after Norley Hall won the toss, Rainhill’s innings began with a stutter — two early wickets and just 38 on the board. But it was the partnership between Robinson and Lawler that steadied the innings and shifted the tone. Robinson remained composed, timing his shots sweetly and punishing anything overpitched. He carved ten boundaries in a measured 55, anchoring the middle overs with assurance. Alongside him, Lawler built confidently, mixing clean strokeplay with sharp running. Their 50-run stand set the foundation.
When Robinson eventually fell, Lawler simply pressed on. Dropped on 10, he took that as a warning rather than a let-off — and from there, he was near-flawless. Driving elegantly, pulling with control, and working the gaps with growing fluency, he built further vital partnerships with Darren Tyms and Ashar Sohail. The milestones came swiftly: fifty in 66 balls, then a thunderous century off 99, studded with 17 crisp boundaries. His unbeaten 105 lit up the innings and helped push Rainhill to a declaration at 221 for 7 in just under 44 overs — a decision that spoke of confidence and tactical clarity.
Norley Hall’s chase never quite sparked. Stevie Pennington struck early, twice in quick succession, and when John Ball found success through control and precision, the pressure began to mount. Rainhill’s fielding tightened the noose — Ashar Sohail, sharp as ever behind the stumps, was faultless with gloves and voice alike. Yet it was Darren Tyms who provided the afternoon’s defining spell. With the match poised, he tore through the middle order with a devastating hat-trick, turning potential tension into certainty. Finishing with 4 for 11, his spell was a captain’s dream: incisive, controlled, and timely.
Finn Millar, ever reliable, conceded just 12 from his eight overs, keeping the screws turned. By the 41st over, the job was done — Norley Hall bowled out for 122, handing Rainhill a 99-run victory and a full set of 25 league points.
It was a win built on team strength: top-order grit, middle-order flair, sharp work in the field, and bowling that mixed control with fire. With four wins from five and top spot in the league secured, Rainhill 2nd XI are building more than just a strong start — they’re shaping a season full of promise.