Rainhill 189-9 dec (Usman 52, Khan 39; Snellgrove 4-17)
Southport & Birkdale 189-5 (Carney 74; Usman 3-66, Ullah 3-78)
Rainhill’s second game of the season was against Southport & Birkdale and ended with a loss from the final ball of the game.
On a warm, sunny Saturday, Rainhill won the toss and batted first, looking to capitalise on the batting friendly conditions.
Rainhill managed a score of 185-9 from 56 overs. A welcomed top-scoring contribution from returning overseas professional Khalid Usman, playing his first game of the season, top scoring with 52. Khalid was supported by Bilal Khan (39), Ross Higham (38) and Rob McKeown (27). Southport & Birkdale’s bowlers worked hard in the sun, with best returns coming from David Snellgrove, (4-17).
Southport & Birkdale started positively, showing intent to score, building partnerships, chipping away at Rainhill’s score. Khalid Usman created pressure and took consistent wickets, taking 3-66 from his 20 overs, supported by Saeed Ullah, (2-78).
At 95-4 the game was in the balance, only for a match winning partnership of 74 to see the visitor’s home. Requiring 2 from the final ball of the game, S&B’s Jack Carney hit a 6 to win the match and finish 74 not out from 64 balls.
Although not a great start to Rainhill’s 1st XI first home game of the season, many lessons can be learned when moving forward into the rest of the season.
Rainhill – 5 points / Southport & Birkdale – 24 points