AFTER seven years of hurt the Pochin Cup came home on Sunday as Rainford seconds overcame rivals Skelmersdale by two-wickets in a low scoring, but nonetheless tense encounter at picturesque Burscough.

Skem batted first and got off to a good start thanks to opener Forster (37) but the medley of medium pacers moulded by skipper John Pickavance ensured the cup favourites were never able to build that match winning partnership.

Donnelly (2/16), Pickavance (1/17) and Fogarty (2/40) took wickets at regular intervals but it was young off-spinner Grounds who was chiefly responsible for Skems' demise as his 4/33 left them high and dry on a seemingly very reachable 129.

But as the saying goes "there's many a slip twixt cup and lip", and so it proved.

A promising opening partnership from Gaskell (18) and Maddison (14) was a distant memory as Rainford found themselves in trouble at 90/5, which soon became 108/7 and 115/8.

But as chaos ensued all around the quiet man of Rainford cricket was calmly going about his business.

Dave Hilton, the unsung hero of many a second string triumph was accumulating a man of the match winning 34no as he and Ian Donnelly guided their side to 130/8, prompting even Chairman John Williams to buy a round amid the wild celebrations.

Saturday saw the bread and butter league programme continue with an under strength first team falling to defeat at Sutton.

The runaway train otherwise known as Rainford 2nd X1 stayed joint top of their division as they outclassed Norley Hall.

Dismissed for exactly 100 the Wigan side was then unable to contain Godwin (41) and Maddison (36no) as Rainford cantered home by eight-wickets.