RAINHILL'S splendid season continued as they lifted the Kaufman Cup for the second successive year and confirmed their place at the top of the league with a draw with both games against Prestatyn.

The Kaufman final saw Rainhill at their very best. Batting first Mike Rotheram and Rehan Rafique made their customary excellent start by rattling up their 8th 100 partnership of the season in 18 overs. Rotheram was caught for 24 with the score at 102 - 1.

Rafique's super form continued and whilst Rainhill lost wickets at 143 - 4, a big total was possible. Rafique completed his century, (nine fours, and a six) and was out with the total on 196 - 5 for 117.

Useful contributions from Dominic Sparkes, 17, Mark Kelly, 18 and 20 not out from Dan Massey gave Rainhill an imposing 241 - 7 in their 45 overs.

In reply, Prestatyn made a steady start with 20 runs, but Steve Jordan claimed 2 wickets in 3 balls to reduce the visitors to 20 - 2.

It was Jordan again who struck at 35 - 3 and the writing was on the wall for Prestatyn.

The introduction of Jim Titmus into the Rainhill attack produced immediate dividends as he blasted Prestatyn away with five wickets in only five overs.

Titmus finishing with 5 - 20 and Jordan 3 - 23, as Prestatyn were all out for only 69. Rainhill's match winning performance once again, aided by first class catching.

On the Saturday, Prestatyn's title challenge diminished in a tame manner, as they never tried to win the match.

Batting first Rainhill posted 206 - 2 with Rehan Rafique 107, (14 fours), Jim Titmus 51, (five fours) and Joe Harvey, 48.

In reply, Prestatyn lost an early wicket at 7 - 1 as Mark Kelly struck.

However, from this point, the visitors crawled to 154 - 3 as Rainhill employed attacking fields to no avail. Dan Massey the pick of the Rainhill bowling with 2 - 27.

This weekend Rainhill travel to Parkfield and now need to win a maximum of three out of the 4 remaining league games to win the Championship and complete a historic treble of trophies.