THE rallying call for Sutton to fight relegation was made last week, and boy did they respond! Winning the toss against Rainford, stunned skipper Barr invited the visitors to don pads and set a total.

It was pleasing to see so many youngsters on display showing the hard work both clubs put into their youth development to generate players that can play at this level.

It was experience that was to dominate the first half of the game though, as opener Meredith put the early Sutton bowling to the sword as he bludgeoned a quick 51.

Lambert gave good support for his patient 23.

A large total beckoned on a difficult track but wily campaigner Ray Foster had other ideas.

Good tight bowling was the key to regular Sutton breakthroughs, and even though the catching wasn't tip top, dogged persistence brought Foster figures of 5 for 31.

Tamhane and Frost took two a piece as Rainford registered a total of 126 all out, thanks mainly to Meredith (51) and Lambert (23).

It was nice to see Jack Haycock at the game on Saturday and Sutton would like to extend their thanks to him and his late wife Barbara for sponsoring the weekend fixtures.

As the old saying goes, the runs were on the board and it was never a formality that Sutton would easily reach the target.

The Sutton reply always had home spectators nervous, especially with Lambert making the ball talk.

His 3 wickets meant that Sutton had to dig deep and overseas player Tamhane had to play the anchor role if Sutton were to win.

Step forward Phil Frost who calmed the nerves on the patio, playing shots all round the park before falling for 31.

This broke the visitors spirits allowing Tamhane to hit winning runs finishing 52 not out for a 5 wicket victory.

The seconds were made to work hard in the field at Liverpool Manweb . The bowling of Stuart Rimmer with 4 for 62 aided by a couple of catches by young Jonny Green the highlights as Manweb declared on 170 for 7.

The second half proved controversial. Chasing was always going to be difficult but captain Andy Rimmer and Steve Greener looked steady as they knocked 43 and 28 respectively.

With runs drying up and Sutton looking to draw the game, the final over saw it up to last pair Paul Ikin and Philip Greener to prevent a Manweb victory.

With two balls to go the umpire adjudged Ikin LBW to seal Sutton's fate at 124 all out.