Rainhill CC U13s 79/9 (20) (Maheshwari 21, Williams 13;)
Spring View CC U13s 41/5 (20) (Broad 10, Boardman 10; Lawler 3-2)
On a warm summer evening at Dower House Farm, Rainhill Under 13s arrived knowing that a win would crown them champions of the Wigan League—and whilst the batting may have wobbled, the team’s grit saw them through to a well-earned victory and the WDJL U13s League title.
Having elected to bat first, Rainhill found themselves with wickets falling regularly, and very few batters were able to settle in for long spells. Ayaan Maheshwari made 21, while Nathan Williams and Annabelle Clifford each added crucial runs in the face of tight bowling. But with a flurry of dismissals and a constant shuffle at the crease, it was the extras column (top scoring!)—generous with 22—that bolstered the total. It was not the most fluent innings, but the team felt the 79 on the board was a defendable total.
The response with the ball was where Rainhill truly asserted themselves. Sarah Lawler delivered a spell of pure brilliance, claiming three wickets for just two runs in four overs, including two maidens—a performance marked by two clean bowled dismissals and a sharp caught-and-bowled. One of her deliveries also sparked a crucial run-out, with Annabelle Clifford quick to react in the field to complete it. Albie Ambage made an immediate impact too, snaring a wicket in his only over. The rest of the bowling attack played their role, bowling with discipline and focus, keeping things tight and the pressure constant throughout.
Fielding was sharp, and the energy never dipped. Spring View were restricted to just 41 for 5 from their 20 overs, unable to build any real momentum as Rainhill’s bowlers and fielders combined to control the game.
It may not have been a perfect performance, but it was a winning one—and with it came the reward of a league title. This team has shown all season that it can adapt, support one another, and rise to the moment. With champions’ medals now earned, their journey continues in to the cup games, full of confidence.
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