RAINFORD sit third in the Liverpool Competition Premier League after a run-filled win at Formby. 

The host's openers, Ian Cockbain (130) and Ollie Sutton (70) put on 176 for Formby's first wicket before declaring on a mammoth 282-5 off 38 overs. Rainford responded with an opening stand of 140 between Matthew Bailey (76) and Jason Login (77) with further runs coming from Paul Farrar (56) as the visitors chased down the target for the loss of six wickets.

Rainhill travelled to Birkenhead Park where they were bowled out for 89 with the home side later winning by six wickets despite Khalid Usman's 3-35. 

Newton-le-Willows’ Ben Walkden took 5-33 as Southport and Birkdale were bowled out for 101 at Trafalgar Road. Walkden then hit an unbeaten 53 to seal a five wicket win. 

In Division One, St Helens Town bowlers, James Davies (4-26) and Sibusiso Maseko (4-11) combined to dismiss Spring View for just 77 before the batters eased to a five wicket victory. 

A bizarre game in Division Two at the New Street Oval, saw Sutton's Andy Cowley (5-16) and Natalie Brown (5-23) skittle Norley Hall for 41. Improbably, the visitors managed to defend the total with Brown the last batter out, to Liam Martlew, just three runs short. 

Cup games dominated Sunday's schedule with holders Rainford advancing to the second round of the Ray Digman Trophy, chasing 136 to see off Southport & Birkdale. Login (3-18), Liam Gaskell (3-40) and Ivan Kriek (48) were the standout performers. 

Sutton are also through after James York's unbeaten 52 helped them reach 128 all out against Southport Trinity. Cowley (3-14) and Brown (4-13) combined again as the visitors were dismissed for 37. 

St Helens Town are out though after they were bowled out for just 47 by Sefton Park.