RAINFORD produced their best display of the season with a well deserved 93 run victory at Aigburth.

Acting skipper Phil Curran had no hesitation in batting and was rewarded by his team producing a match winning total of 213 for 8 declared.

Steve Meredith raced to 37 before being dismissed and after three quick wickets had fallen Rainford were indebted to a 90 run fifth wicket stand from Michael Lambert (65) and John Williams (36).

Young Lambert, now in the County Under 17 squad, continues to impress with every match and Williams, off the back of a season with Staffs University, is revelling in his new middle order slot.

Another youngster fresh from the Rainford production line, Andrew Pickavance, then hoisted the total past the two hundred mark with a quickfire 25 not out.

Aussie Shannon Fitzgerald then accessed the Aigburth middle order by removing the opening pair cheaply and Lambert did the rest, taking 5 for 32.

He was helped by a fine spell of spin bowling at the other end from crafty Chris Spencer, picking up just one wicket but yielding very few runs.

John Pickavance's second team continued their march for double honours this season with a crushing nine wicket demolition of Halsall/West End.

Experienced duo Ian Donnelly (4-70) and Steve Murgatroyd (5-40) blew the opposition away leaving Rainford chasing a total of 124.

Opener Ian Gaskell recorded his maiden League 50 in a superb innings of 62 not out and together with Lancs Under 14 batsman Tom Meredith (39) saw their side to the brink of victory and to within just eight points of league leaders Portland Wine.

All eyes are on the seconds this Sunday in the Pochin Cup final against Skelmersdale.

Pickavance is not underestimating the opposition from a higher division but thinks an upset is on the cards.

"As our results show, we've got the best youngsters for miles around together with the likes of Alan Maddison, Keith Haskayne, Dave Hilton and Ian Donnelly, all of whom know what it takes to win a Pochin Cup," Pickavance said.