Rainhill CC U15s 142/5 (Lawler 42*, Millar 25; Armstrong 0-1)
Westldigh CC U15s 132/4 (13.1) (Watson 43; Galvin 41; Sirikonda 18-2)
Rainhill Under 15s opened their 2025 WDJCL League A campaign with a thrilling 10-run win away at Westleigh CC, edging a closely contested match that went down to the final over. A composed unbeaten knock from captain Nathan Lawler (42*) and a clinical spell from Tejas Sirikonda (2-18) proved the difference on the night.
Batting first after Westleigh won the toss and chose to field, Rainhill’s innings got off to a steady start. Openers Mattie Ambage (14) and Finnlee Millar (25) laid a solid foundation, rotating the strike well and punishing anything loose. Millar played fluently through the off side, while Ambage struck a couple of firm boundaries before falling to a catch.
After a brief wobble in the middle order, which saw Rainhill slip to 63 for 4, Tejas Sirikonda (22) and Nathan Lawler rebuilt with intent and intelligence. Sirikonda struck four crisp boundaries before falling in the 18th over, leaving Lawler to finish the innings in style. His unbeaten 42 from just 26 balls included eight boundaries and ensured Rainhill posted a competitive 142 for 5, aided by 33 extras.
In response, Westleigh got off to a solid start, with Evan Watson (43) anchoring the top order and Evan Galvin (41) adding momentum in the middle. Rainhill, however, kept their cool. Tejas Sirikonda struck twice to break the opening partnership and later removed the dangerous Charlie Marsh. Finlay Venables chipped in with a key wicket, and Mattie Ambage also claimed one with a smart caught and bowled.
Westleigh kept the game alive until the final over, but tight bowling from Lawler, Sirikonda and Millar restricted their scoring opportunities, and sharp fielding—highlighted by committed boundary-saving efforts from Albie Ambage and Sarah Lawler—proved vital.
Special mentions go to Ben Shute, who stepped up behind the stumps for only his second U15s appearance and handled the gloves with confidence, and to Nathan Williams and Alf Nulty, who made their U15s debut.
Rainhill fielded six U13 players in the side, all of whom contributed to a strong team effort.
This was a gritty and impressive team win to kick off the season—showing determination, composure and the promise of more to come.
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