Almost 400 runs, 20 wickets, an exciting finish, excellent sportsmanship and eleven youngsters, all products or current members of the St Helens District junior development system.

Rainford, after posting 198, won by 11 runs. Sutton started well capturing two Rainford wickets with just four on the board before Mark Williams (52) and Tom Meredith (32) put the home sides' innings back on track.

Sean Anders then produced a devastating spell of 6 for 22 to derail it again at 146 for 9.

Skipper Steve Harrison (33) and John R Williams (19 not out) then forged a 52 run last wicket partnership that was to prove vital. The Sutton reply steadily chipped away at the Rainford total with contributions from Gary Greener (25) and Kameron Farooq(22).

They were halted by Michael Lambert (4 for 37), Chris Tonge (2 for 35) and Lee Woolcock (2 for 40).

With the score at 110 for 6 the game seemed beyond the visitors until young Robert Hughes almost won the game for them with a superb innings of 58 not out.

Unfortunately he ran out of partners when last man Steve Jordan holed out off Woolcock with the score on 187.