COLWYN Bay fell agonisingly short of victory as they were held to a home draw against Rainford.

Sion Morris’ side had a chance to come away with the lion’s share of the points heading into the final over, but failed to reach their required target and had to be content with a share of the spoils at Penrhyn Avenue.

The result leaves Bay in ninth spot in the Liverpool and District Cricket League Premier Division standings as they prepare for their trip to Leigh on Saturday.

Things got off to a fantastic start for the hosts as Gareth Goodson dismissed opener Matthew Bailey for one, before Ryan Holtby and George Johansen took out the dangerous duo of Comrey Edgeworth and skipper David Snellgrove for 14 and five respectively.

This provoked a strong response for the visitors, who put on 116 for the fourth wicket thanks to a fantastic stand from Paul Farrar and Matthew White, who contributed 107 and 53 to significantly boost the scoreboard before they were eventually despatched by Adam Campion and Holtby.

An unbeaten 38 from John Dotters also aided the away side’s cause, with Holtby claiming one more victim to finish the day on 3-66 as Rainford declared on 239-7 from 57 overs at the crease.

Despite losing overseas star Dimeth Hewathenthree after he made just four early on, stubborn knocks from Zack Gidlow (34) and Johansen (32) restored some composure in the middle during the opening exchanges.

The home side then went into a commanding position courtesy of opener Pat Leach and Campion, who managed to produce outstanding knocks to secure scores of 61 and 49 not out from their efforts.

This was not matched by the middle order for the hosts, with Morris (4), Mike Littler (7) and Shaun Davies (14) all falling at the hands of Steve Birkett, who produced a stunning 17-over spell to finish with six wickets for the loss of 69 runs.

Bay still had a chance and needed six from their final over, but Campion and Paul Jenkins were unsuccessful in their match-winning attempts as Morris’ men ended on 234-8 from 53 overs.