Rainhill CC Academy 74 All Out (Lawler 27, Millar 15, Saqib 2-6)
Wavertree CC 76-3 (Tyms 1-4, Rose 1-11)
Rainhill’s academy side, a team of under-18s, captained by 14 year old Nathan Lawler, took to the field for their final match of the 2024 season against Wavertree’s 4th XI. Following heavy overnight rain, the game began in drizzly conditions, but the young Rainhill side wasn’t there just to compete—they were there to enjoy the moment, celebrating a season that had exceeded their expectations and ignited their ambition for the future.
Winning the toss, Rainhill elected to bat. Despite the damp conditions, they approached the game with a carefree, attacking mindset. Lawler, led by example, striking four boundaries in his confident 27 off 32 balls. His dismissal, caught by Alex McElroy off Adrian Giby, slowed the team’s progress, but the tone had been set for a day of enjoyment over pressure.
Wickets began to fall steadily after Lawler’s departure, until Finn Millar came in and entertained with a quick 15 that included a six. Kieran Rose also chipped in with 9 before being caught off Nehan Saqib. Despite the promising starts, Rainhill’s innings came to an end at 74 all out after 22.1 overs.
When it came time for Rainhill to bowl, it was about the whole team enjoying their last game. Everyone had a turn with the ball, (the bowling order determined by a spin wheel!) including Foulkes, who was relieved of wicketkeeping duties for the match. Taking Foulkes’ place was Harry Ball for the first 8 overs of the match, with Owen Morrissey taking over for the remainder.
The highlight of the fielding effort came when Morrissey pulled off a spectacular diving catch after the ball deflected off Lawler’s shoulder in the slips—a moment that summed up the spirit of the day as the team rallied together with laughs and smiles despite the challenge they faced.
Wavertree chased down the modest target in just 11.2 overs, reaching 76 for 3, with George Pennington-Reader top-scoring with 26 and James Lloyd-Wright adding 17. Rainhill’s bowlers—Tyms, Rose, and Jones—each took a wicket, and although the wides and extras added to Wavertree’s score, Rainhill’s focus was on enjoying the occasion rather than worrying about the result.
The last game of the season wasn’t about winning or individual performances; it was about embracing the final moments of a season that had exceeded expectations. Rainhill’s young side, full of heart and determination, leaves the 2024 campaign with the confidence that they can work hard over the winter and come back even stronger next year, ready to challenge for the league.
It was a game played in the true spirit of cricket, with the future looking bright for this talented group of youngsters.
