Fine win over Whitefield
Millar and Xavier lead the way as Rainhill win by 6 wickets
Whitefield 159 (Matthew Connolly 53, Rob Kennerly 24; John Ball 3-17)
Rainhill 161-4 (Paul Millar 37*, Panchu Xavier 35; Matthew Connolly 1-20)
Rainhill (25 pts) beat Whitefield (6 pts) by 6 wickets
Rainhill's 3rd team beat Whitefield for the second time this season and moved into 6th place in the First Division (South).
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Whitefield openers Andrew Sage and Arsan Shakeel put on 25 for the first wicket. Their promising partnership was broken by Paul Millar, who trapped Sage lbw. Ethan Powell then bowled Shakeel for 13 and the visitors were on 34 for 2.
However, Whitefield's middle order provided some determined resistance with Matthew Connolly and Rob Kennerly in particular playing positively. Connolly was eventually out shortly after reaching his half-century, caught by Sam Ellis off Paul Millar, but his 53 from 65 balls was decisive in helping his team reach a competitive total. Kennerly's fluent innings of 24 came to an end when Neil Robinson found a way through to his pads.
When John Ball (pictured, playing at Whitefield) bowled Glen Latimer to wrap up the innings, the visitors had reached 159. Rainhill had bowled well throughout the afternoon, with John Ball (3 for 17 from 8.4 overs) demonstrating his abilities as an attacking pace bowler. Sarah Curlett, Neil Robinson and Paul Millar also picked up two wickets apiece.
Chasing 160 for the win, Rainhill added 37 before Arsan Shakeel picked up the wicket of Ethan Powell, who had moved onto 18 and was looking in good shape. Jeff Fitzhenry and Panchu Xavier then put on 52 for the second wicket; Xavier seemed set for his half century when he edged behind and was caught by wicketkeeper Bert Prescott. Neil Robinson was run out by Andrew Sage and Fitzhenry finally perished when Kevin Connelly had him lbw. However, their contributions had taken Rainhill to within 30 runs of the target with six wickets remaining.
Paul Millar (37 not out) and Sam Ellis (9 not out) steered Rainhill home without further loss.