RAINFORD continued their improved run of form with a comfortable, clinical and ultimately comprehensive six wicket win over fourth placed Parkfield (Wallasey).

After electing to bat the visitors were soon in trouble losing their first three wickets for 47, one for Shannon Fitzgerald and two for Michael Lambert (4-37), before Mian Nafees (68) led the Wirral sides' recovery.

The hard hitting overseas man, dropped when on just one, took the score to 151 for 7 following which the last three wickets fell quickly leaving Parkfield 168 all out.

After losing Graeme Green early on the sizeable and sun drenched Jubilee Recreation Ground crowd were treated to a superb 96 run partnership between a Welshman and an Australian to set the foundation for a crucial win in Rainford's bid to retain Division One MSCA status next year.

Steve Meredith, for once dropping anchor for a responsible 44 and Fitzgerald, producing his best innings of the season with a match winning 82 took Rainford to the brink of victory.

Nafees (4-49) bagged a couple of late wickets but youngsters John Williams and Lambert safely guided the home side to victory with five overs to spare.

Match Sponsor Frank Turley.

For the second week running John Pickavance's seconds made it two wins out of two for the club, also by a six wicket margin, over the always hard to beat Mawdesley second string.

Andrew Grounds continues to improve and his lengthy spell of off spin brought its reward of 4-79.

He was backed up by young Andrew Pickavance with a fiery burst of 2-19 as Mawdesley reached a very competitive 174 all out.

It proved well within reach, however, of a side in second place and challenging for the Division Two title.

Ian Gaskell recorded his second 50 in successive weeks, 52, and with contributions from Tom Meredith (49), Chris Godwin (32) and Andrew Haygarth (23 not out) the visitors secured a well deserved victory.