Liverpool Lions 189 All Out (Fernando 72, Mesthirge 70; N Lawler 4-68, Bowie 3-22, J Tyms 2-10)
Rainhill Academy XI 172-7 (Sirikonda 51*, N Lawler 46 ; Deva 3-33)
In a closely contested match between Rainhill CC 4th XI and Liverpool Lions CC 2nd XI at Rainhill CC Ground, the game ended in a draw, showcasing the young Rainhill side’s maturity and composure. Liverpool Lions, who elected to bat first, posted a total of 189 runs before being bowled out in 38.4 overs.
Rainhill’s bowling attack was disciplined, with Nathan Lawler leading the charge by taking four wickets for 68 runs in his 11 overs. Amber Bowie bowled well, claiming three wickets for 22 runs in her 3.4 overs. The team’s economy was bolstered by the impressive seam bowling of Jack Tyms, Mattie Ambage, and Tejas Sirikonda. Tyms was particularly economical, giving away only 10 runs in his six overs and taking two crucial wickets. Ambage maintained tight lines, conceding just five runs in his three overs, while Sirikonda’s spell of five overs for only nine runs kept the opposition in check and added to the pressure on Liverpool Lions’ batsmen.
Fin Venables, making only his third senior start, also contributed to Rainhill’s bowling effort. Venables, demonstrating composure, bowled seven overs, conceding 49 runs. He is gaining valuable experience and is certainly one to watch for the future.
In the field, the young team was sharp and alert, exemplified by Keiran Rose’s outstanding catch in the deep. Rose managed to settle under a towering shot from Lalith Balaji, holding onto the ball securely to dismiss the dangerous batsman, who was dismissed on 26 off just 12 deliveries.
Rainhill’s response with the bat was initially shaky, with early wickets falling quickly. After losing Freddie Foulkes and Matt Lawler cheaply, Rainhill was in a precarious position. Nathan Lawler, however, stepped up and played a vital knock, anchoring the innings with a composed 46 runs. His partnership with Tejas Sirikonda proved to be the turning point in Rainhill’s innings. Together, they steadied the ship with a crucial partnership that added valuable runs and stabilised the innings after the early setbacks.
Lawler’s aggressive yet controlled play complemented Sirikonda’s calm and collected approach, allowing Rainhill to recover from their early losses. After Lawler’s dismissal for 46, Sirikonda took on the responsibility of guiding the tail-end of the innings. His partnership with Darren Tyms was instrumental in pushing Rainhill closer to the target. Tyms provided solid support with a quick 17 runs, while Sirikonda continued to play with maturity, accumulating runs steadily.
Sirirkonda’s unbeaten 51, his first senior half-century, was a standout performance that showcased his ability to remain composed under pressure. Together with Tyms, Sirikonda ensured that Rainhill avoided defeat, with their partnership steering the team to a respectable total of 172 for 7 in 45 overs, just 17 runs shy of Liverpool Lions’ score.
The match highlighted the depth and resilience of Rainhill’s youthful side, with significant contributions from the younger players like Lawler, Sirikonda, Tyms, and Ambage. Their economical bowling and vital partnerships with the bat ensured a well-earned draw, earning Rainhill 9 points from the encounter, while Liverpool Lions took away 8 points. This performance indicates a bright future for Rainhill CC 4th XI, with their young talents showing great promise for the seasons ahead.