WITH one victory and one defeat it seems that last weekend may have determined the fate of both Rainford CC senior sides this season.

The 1st XI were right in the relegation mix at the start of play with only three sides below them, so the last side they wanted to see at the Jubilee Recreation Ground were league leaders and championship favourites Wavertree.

But by 7pm the celebrations had begun after Dave Tully's side had turned the form book upside down to claim a shock 36-run success.

Batting first it was Tully (39) and fellow opener Ste Meredith (38) who got the home side off to a dream start, a tempo that was maintained by Michael Lambert (23) as Rainford eased to a commanding 126-2.

Worryingly, however, the innings then collapsed to 165 all out, seven batsmen accumulating just 13 runs between them with only John Williams (20 n.o.) offering any middle-order resistance.

The Wavertree reply was under pressure from the outset with fine opening spells from Fitzgerald and Lambert.

Lambert went on to claim two late wickets as did vice-captain Phil Curran, but the response was ripped apart by military-medium trundler Ste Murgatroyd who exploited the conditions to perfection with 4-17 as Wavertree folded on 129 to leave Rainford just a couple of points from mid-table safety.

The table-topping seconds visited second-placed Portland Wine and could have seen their promotion hopes dashed as their hosts scored a three-wicket win to lead the table with only two games remaining.

A total of just 131 runs were scored in the match for the loss of 17 wickets on a pitch that was a throw-back to the bad old days of Hillside, Meols Park and Bleaugate some 25 years ago.

Unfortunately for Rainford they lost 10 of those wickets scoring 65, while the remaining seven fell to the hard-working Rainford attack as the vintners reached 66 to win the match.

WITH the 1st XI battling relegation and the 2nd XI fighting for promotion, Birkenhead St Mary's were going to have a pivotal say in the destiny of Sutton Cricket Club over the weekend.

The 1st XI were asked to bowl in the tie at New Street. Birkenhead captain McGenity made no secret that his aim was to ensure that Sutton could not win this fixture.

After a couple of early breakthroughs by Phil Frost, Birkenhead's two overseas players, Haque and Nawaz made themselves comfortable for a long Birkenhead innings that would span the tea interval.

Sutton looked weary as they bowled more than 60 overs, Reynolds falling asleep mid-over at one point, until eventually Birkenhead declared on 196-6.

The Sutton reply coughed and spluttered with only Tamhane (51) and Phil Frost (13) gaining double figures as Nawaz shot out seven Sutton wickets on the way to a disappointing 97 all out.

Sutton will pick themselves up, dust off and ensure they don't roll over against Prestatyn on Saturday.

The 2nd XI were on top form with ball at Birkenhead, shooting the opposition out for just 63 with Ikin and Lanchin doing the damage with three wickets apiece.

Credit though to the Wirral outfit who didn't lay down in the face of defending such a low total, and in an innings that saw only Devereux (11) and Dodd (12 n. o.) making meaningful contributions, a stunned Sutton 2nd XI made their return to New Street having made only 56 in their reply.

DESPITE languishing near the foot of the table Orrell completed the double over St Helens in a good game of two halves.

In the first half St Helens bowled badly to leave Orrell at 204 for 3 declared at tea, while in the second half they batted equally badly to finish on 104 all out. Orrell's opening bat, Craig Stockdale, scored a fine 89 well supported by ex Saint Steve Tickle undefeated on 63. The 3 wickets to fall were shared by Pandey, Friar and Tyms.

With 53 overs available Saints needed someone to anchor the innings to victory but with 19 overs remaining everyone was back in the pavilion cheering Kelly Holmes victory instead, with only 104 on the board. The only significant scorers were Horabin 21, Potter 29 and Moncrieff 24.

Bank Holiday Monday saw the arrival of St Helens Recs for the keenly anticipated local derby. After yet another delayed start Saints won the toss and decided to bat scoring 113 all out from 44 overs.

Adam Friar top scored with 30 with only Neil Woods (17 not out), Ian Lawless (13) and David Lowe (12) into double figures. New Zealand all rounder Mark Orchard was once again a thorn in Saints side taking 5 for 28.

He continued the good work with the bat scoring 68 not out with the rest of the batsmen making heavy weather of it but eventually winning the game on 114 for 8. Sanjay Pandey bowled an accurate spell to take 6 for 44 with Adam Friar taking 1-31.

Next week the first team are away to Caldy with the seconds playing the reverse fixture at Windleshaw Road.