Rainhill CC Academy 4XI 162-4 (30.2) (Lawler 108*; Oriakhil 2-23)
Liverpool CC (Sunday AD) 161 All Out (34.2) (Oriakhil 62, S Jha 55; Millar 5-38, Ball 2-7, Sirikonda 2-32)
After a week of searing sunshine, the skies turned grey over the Rainhill CC Ground — and with them came a tricky, rain-interrupted afternoon for Rainhill 4th XI’s latest league fixture. Frequent heavy downpours forced several breaks in play, and at times the game continued in persistent drizzle, testing the players’ concentration and character throughout the day.
Led confidently by 15-year-old skipper Nathan Lawler (sponsored by www.peelhousedental.co.uk), and featuring 10 Under-18 players, Rainhill won the toss and took the field first. The bowlers hit their stride quickly. Finnlee Millar (sponsored by www.red-tree.co.uk) delivered another outstanding performance, claiming his second five-wicket haul of the season — a spell full of skill and control. Tejas Sirikonda provided valuable support with two wickets, and Harry Ball produced a thrilling late burst with two wickets in two balls, leaving him on a hat-trick for his next spell. Jack Tyms also chipped in with a well-earned wicket, while the fielding was sharp — with Finlay Venables taking a good outfield catch and two excellent caught-and-bowled efforts from Finnlee himself. Liverpool were bowled out for 161.
The chase began with early drama. In the 7th over, Nathan Lawler, on 21, offered a chance to the slip fielder but was put down, and ultimately, it proved a costly miss for the visitors. Nathan took full advantage, going on to anchor the entire innings. After the early loss of Freddie Foulkes, Nathan built steady partnerships, first with Harry Ball, then with Finnlee Millar and Tejas Sirikonda. The innings was disrupted by rain delays, and at times the batters were forced to dig in and reset during spells of heavy drizzle — a real test of concentration. Nathan remained composed throughout, reaching his third century of the season with a superb unbeaten 108, peppered with 15 boundaries and a six.
Late in the chase, with the clouds gathering again and the target in sight, Owen Morrissey joined his captain in the middle. The pair batted with great composure — Owen’s crisp boundaries and smart running helping push Rainhill over the line with 10 balls to spare.
A fifth win in five games keeps Rainhill firmly at the top of the table. Another excellent team performance, full of character and promise. With confidence growing week by week, this team’s journey looks more exciting with every game.
Player sponsorship is still available for several players — if you or your business would like to support this fantastic young side, please get in touch via the club website.
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