Rainhill CC Ready for the 2025 Season
As spring arrives and the covers come off the square, anticipation is building at Rainhill Cricket Club ahead of what promises to be an exciting and action-packed 2025 season. With the first fixtures kicking off this weekend, players, coaches, and supporters are all raring to go.
Opening Weekend – Cup Cricket Gets Us Underway
The season officially begins on Saturday 19th April with a weekend of cup action. Rainhill’s 1st XI will be at home, welcoming Colwyn Bay to the Recreation Ground in the opening round of the Ray Digman Trophy. With Jamie Harrison continuing as captain and two key new signings in the squad—wicketkeeper-batter Alex Winiarski and top-order batter Ryan Brown—expectations are high. Both new additions bring experience and flair, and the team will be aiming for a strong showing in the Premier League and cup competitions alike.
The 2nd XI travel away to Wavertree for their Tittershill Cup Round 1 tie. Now under the leadership of Darren Tyms, the second team will be looking to bounce back after relegation last year and begin their campaign in the LDCC 2nd XI Second Division with positive momentum.
Junior Cricket Returns – A Full Pathway in Action
Rainhill’s thriving junior section begins its competitive season on Thursday 24th April, as the U13s host Wavertree in the Liverpool Competition Junior League – Under 13 LCF Knockout Qualifiers.
This match kicks off a packed summer for our juniors, with teams entered in U11, U13, U15, and U18 age groups. Each side competing will focus not only on results, but on enjoyment, development, and building strong foundations for the future. Our junior programme continues to be a vital part of the club, with many of last year’s U18s now stepping up into senior cricket, particularly within the Academy XI.
League Fixtures Begin – A Full Slate of Senior Cricket
The first full league weekend of the season takes place on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th April. The 1st XI face a tough opening challenge away to Northern, one of the league’s most consistent sides, while the 2nd XI host Maghull at home, keen to make a statement as they seek a return to the top division.
On Sunday 27th, women’s cricket takes centre stage, with Rainhill Women playing their first hardball fixture of the year at home against Formby. The continued growth of the women’s section is a key part of the club’s future, and all signs point to a good season ahead in both hardball and softball.
That same day, the 3rd XI, captained once again by Panchu Xavier, kick off their campaign at home to Orrell Red Triangle. After a mid-table finish in last year’s LDCC Third XI First Division, they’ll be hoping to push on and challenge the front-runners in 2025.
Meanwhile, the Academy XI, one of the club’s most exciting stories from 2024, begin their season away to Bootle. Captained this year by 15-year-old Nathan Lawler, the side—made up primarily of under-18 players—returns to action in LDCC Third XI Division 2.
Last season, the Academy XI impressed with their skill and team spirit, notching up a mid-table finish in their debut senior season. Lawler’s standout moment came when he scored his maiden senior century, while Freddie Foulkes recorded his first senior half-century. Fin Venables made a strong impression in his debut matches, and several others contributed with bat, ball, and in the field. With a year’s experience now under their belts, this talented young side will be looking to go even further in 2025.
New for 2025 – Live Streaming at Rainhill
This season, we’re excited to introduce live streaming for all senior home matches at Rainhill CC. Supporters will be able to follow the action in real time, whether they’re at the ground or watching from afar. It’s a fantastic way to stay connected with the club and keep up with key moments throughout the season. Links and access details will be shared across our social media platforms before each match.
Looking Ahead
With cup ties, league openers, and junior fixtures all on the horizon, Rainhill Cricket Club enters the 2025 season with renewed focus and energy across all teams. From experienced first-team players to the rising stars in the Academy and junior sections, every squad is working hard to make this a successful and memorable year.
We look forward to welcoming supporters back to the club, and wish all our teams the very best of luck for the season ahead.