RAINFORD pulled off a spectacular last day win against Sefton Park to clinch promotion to the Liverpool Competition Premier Division and shortly after leaving the field, celebrated their return to the top flight as Division 1 Champions.

Lytham’s unexpected loss to Caldy meant that John Dotter’s men had leapt from third to first place in the final two weeks, sparking huge celebrations at the Jubilee Recreation Ground.

Rainford were indebted to 55 from Mark Potter in their total of just 140, which set a few nerves on edge during the tea interval.

No-one needed to worry as they ripped through the visitors batting line up, dismissing them for just 41.

St Helens Star: Another wicketAnother wicket (Image: me)

The skipper took his season’s haul of wickets to an incredible club record of 102 with four more, the ever reliable Andy Davies nipped in with two scalps and pace man Liam Gaskell added three more to his tally, to cap a fine first season at the Jubilee.

Above all this has been a supreme team effort all season winning 15 out of 22 games, and after a couple of near misses in recent seasons, coming good at just the right time.

The success comes just one week after the 2nd X1 clinched promotion to the 2ND X1 Premier Division.

Reflecting on the season’s success, a delighted John Dotters believes that a stable squad, all willing to work hard and showing great strength of character has been the key. He also points to the National Village Cup run as proving crucial.

“Since losing in the semi Final on the last day of July, we haven’t lost a match” he said.

“We started the day just aiming for a promotion spot and ended it as Champions. I’m just delighted for everyone at the club, especially for all those that work hard behind the scenes to make it all happen. It’s a great feeling “.