ST HELENS Recs 1st XI travelled to Caldy on Saturday and after winning the toss elected to bat first.

Despite the home side's slow over rate the Recs batsmen kept a good run rate going. Overseas player, Tambe top scored with 54 and both the Ford brothers, Andy and Paul, scored 52.

After tea, Recs were forced to come out swinging due to the slow over rate and Freeman made 22 as they declared on 202-6 from only 56 overs.

In reply, the home side never looked interested in chasing the runs and with Paul Ford capping a fine all-round performance taking 3-38 Caldy finished on 156-7 from 40 overs to draw the game.

The 2nd XI played hosts to Maghull who were asked to bat first on a good wicket.

The bowling was tight and the visitors struggled to score quicklyand after 45 overs had only reached 123-5. Ball bowled well, taking 6-for 74 from 21 overs as Maghull were forced to declare on 169-9 from 56 overs.

In reply, Rana and Critchley got Recs off to a good start until the latter was out for 21. Huyton came to the wicket and when Rana was dismissed for a fine 33 the game was finely balanced.

Needing 89 from the final 20 overs Recs were in the driving seat with only three wickets down. Huyton went on to score 54 not out before a downpour caused the game to be abandoned with Recs on 126-5 from 35.1 overs with victory in sight.

A young 3rd JP XI travelled to Birchfield Park and won the toss and elected to bat.

However, this proved to be a disaster as they were dismissed for a paltry 47 from 22.4 overs despite the eforts of Atherton (20).

In reply, Birchfield knocked off the runs in 11 overs without losing a wicket.

This week the 1st XI are at home to Maghull on Saturday, the match being sponsored by Ruskin Leisure.